Entertainment – Headline Smart

Pro Wrestler Dies at 48 After Match Collapse

The former AEW performer and Every Time I Die guitarist received emergency treatment after collapsing at an independent wrestling event near Pittsburgh. MILLVALE, Pa. — Andy Williams, the professional wrestler known as The Butcher and longtime guitarist for Every Time I Die, died after collapsing following an Enjoy Wrestling event Saturday near Pittsburgh, the promotion and All Elite Wrestling said. He was 48. Williams collapsed at ringside after a tag team match at Mr. Smalls …

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Fired Days After Sudden Suspension

Thornton was suspended three days earlier after reports tied an internal review to an incident aboard a May flight. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Sony Pictures Television has fired longtime “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton, ending his 15-year run with the game show after the studio completed an investigation into allegations that surfaced publicly in early September. Sony confirmed Thornton’s termination Sept. 4, three days after suspending him and announcing that his role was being …

Former ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant Charged in 4-Year-Old’s Death

Deshundre Vinson, 22, faces first-degree murder and aggravated child-abuse charges after his 4-year-old nephew spent about nine minutes underwater. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A former “America’s Got Talent” contestant has been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated child abuse after authorities said his 4-year-old nephew drowned in an apartment-complex swimming pool while the singer was responsible for caring for him. Deshundre Vinson, 22, was arrested Sept. 2 in Chattanooga, according to court and …

Band’s Keyboardist and Family Found Dead

Two men were arrested after the killings at an Atizapán de Zaragoza apartment, while the couple’s 6-year-old son survived unharmed. ATIZAPÁN DE ZARAGOZA, Mexico — Jonathan Samuel Meléndez Ochoa, a 38-year-old keyboardist and co-founder of the Mexican band Camilo Séptimo, was killed along with his pregnant wife, their 3-year-old daughter and a 21-year-old woman who worked in their home, authorities said. State of Mexico prosecutors said the four victims were found late Sept. 1 inside …

Two Six Flags Riders Needed Emergency Brain Surgery

The California coaster remains closed while state safety officials investigate, as earlier injury cases bring additional scrutiny to the attraction. VALENCIA, Calif. — Two women suffered severe brain injuries and underwent emergency surgery six days apart after riding the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in July, while the attraction remains closed and California safety officials investigate what happened. Pamela Guillen, 40, rode X2 on July 5 while visiting the Southern California theme …

One Dead After Rock Band’s Tour Bus Crash

The band and crew were unharmed in a later five-vehicle crash on Interstate 26, according to a Highway Patrol account. SPARTANBURG, S.C. — A man was killed early Aug. 21 after getting out of a vehicle on Interstate 26 in Spartanburg County, shortly before rock band Buckcherry’s tour bus became involved in a separate five-vehicle crash on the same stretch of highway. The South Carolina Highway Patrol described the incident as a sequence of three …

Dolly Parton Dies at 80, Leaving an Unmatched Legacy

The Tennessee-born songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist built a seven-decade career that reached far beyond country music. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton, the country music legend whose songs, movies, business ventures and charitable work made her one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world, died Tuesday in Nashville, her family and publicist said. She was 80. Parton died peacefully Aug. 25, according to a statement posted on her official website. A cause of death …

Nickelodeon ‘All That’ Star Dies at 46

The actress and comedian appeared for three seasons on Nickelodeon’s sketch series and was remembered by former castmates for her humor and creativity. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Christy Knowings, an actress and comedian who became known to young television audiences as a cast member of Nickelodeon’s “All That,” has died at age 46, her father and manager have confirmed. Knowings died Aug. 11 in California. Her father, Charles Dunn, confirmed his daughter’s death to ABC …

Miss North Carolina USA Stripped of Crown After Racist Post Allegations

Brittany Boltinhouse says her conservative Christian beliefs played a role, while pageant officials say her conduct failed to meet titleholder standards. RALEIGH, N.C. — Former Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse is challenging the explanation surrounding her removal from the 2026 title, saying she believes her political and religious views played a role after pageant officials cited conduct that violated organizational standards. Boltinhouse was removed as Miss North Carolina USA on Aug. 5, little more …

Influencer Killed During Livestream Outside Restaurant

César Gastélum expressed concern about approaching motorcyclists shortly before a gunman opened fire and fled, according to published reports. CULIACÁN, Mexico — Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was shot and killed while livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán after telling friends that people approaching on a motorcycle frightened him, authorities and published reports said. The attack occurred Tuesday night in the Tres Ríos area of Culiacán, the capital of the northwestern state of …