Barry Mitchell, the second bassist to ever play with Queen, passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by Queen’s official archivist, Greg Brooks, on Facebook, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and friends. Mitchell’s time with the band was brief, lasting only from August 1970 to January 1971, but he left his mark on early versions of the songs “Liar” and “Son And Daughter.”

The most fascinating part of Mitchell’s story is his own admission that he didn’t see Queen’s potential. In a past interview, he said, “I didn’t see the potential. It’s crazy to say this now but it’s the truth.” He left the band before they hit the big time, a decision that has become a legendary “what if” in rock history. After leaving Queen, Mitchell played in the proto-punk band Tiger, and later made appearances at Queen conventions where fans remembered him as warm, engaging, and full of great stories.

Mitchell’s life is a reminder that history is full of these quiet, overlooked figures. We tend to focus on the frontmen and the big personalities, but the supporting cast, even the ones who left early, were part of the journey. Do you have a story about a band or artist you followed before they were famous? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or share them with us on social media.

A new biopic called “Tony” is giving fans a look at Anthony Bourdain before the fame, before the TV shows, before “Kitchen Confidential.” Set over one summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the film follows a college-aged Bourdain who just got rejected from a writing fellowship. Instead of giving up, he lies about his credentials to land a dishwashing job at a local restaurant. It’s messy, it’s bold, and it completely changes his life.

Antonio Banderas plays the restaurant owner who becomes Bourdain’s mentor. Through that summer of hard work, long shifts, and kitchen chaos, Bourdain discovers a passion for food that he never saw coming. The movie suggests he only became a great writer because he finally had real, lived experience to draw from. He didn’t write until he had something worth writing about.

The film also touches on a bigger cultural conversation about men and reading, noting that men are reading less fiction than ever. But Bourdain’s story flips that script. He found his voice by doing something real first. Whether you’re a fan of his food shows or just love a good underdog story, “Tony” is one to watch this season. Have you ever taken a detour in life that ended up being the right path? Let us know in the comments.

Laundry day just got easier for the residents of Lawton, OK today! Located at 1503 NW Sheridan Road, a new local business has soft-opened: PureWash Laundromat. The goal is simple: to provide a clean and reliable place for folks to take care of any laundry needs they may have.

Remodeling began earlier in the summer, with a soft-opening occuring on August 4. For thirty days following the soft-open, PureWash is offering completely free washes, a $19 sale on comforters included in their Drop-Off Wash, Dry & Fold service offered at $1.79 a pound, and 45% off your first rug wash order. 

The business has been built from the ground up: new washers and dryers, windows and epoxy floors, too -- and talks of a play room being built as well, to occupy the kiddos if needed. PureWash has been built for longevity, to serve its community in any way it needs: from the clothes on your back to the rugs on your living room floor. There is plenty of comfortable seating, TVs to watch and vending machines for snacks and refreshments.

Want to check it out? Need a load of laundry cleaned? Stop in today at PureWash Laundromat to see what it's all about -- and support local business at the same time!

Justin Timberlake is giving us a rare look at his family life. The pop star took to Instagram on Tuesday with a reel captioned “Been outside,” featuring a summer’s worth of moments with his wife Jessica Biel and their two sons. The highlight? The first-ever social media glimpses of 6-year-old Phineas, who is seen peeking out from behind an oversized ice cream sundae, and a from-behind shot of him in a cowboy hat at a rodeo.

The couple has always been fiercely private about their kids, so this is a big deal. The reel also shows 11-year-old Silas hanging out with his dad at a museum, a golf outing with the whole crew, and Biel proudly holding up a fish she caught. It’s a wholesome, relatable summer highlight reel that screams “normal family fun” rather than “celebrity glam.” Considering Timberlake recently ended his world tour and has been battling Lyme disease, seeing him relaxed and happy with his family is a great sign.

It’s rare to see a major star let their guard down like this. The post has fans buzzing about the balance between public life and family privacy. Do you think celebrities should share more of their home life, or is keeping kids off social media the right call? 

The 2026 MTV VMA nominations are officially here, and the Queen of Pop is back on top. Madonna leads the pack with 11 nominations, marking her first time as the leading contender since 1998. Her 14-minute visual project “Confessions II – The Film” is up for the coveted Video of the Year award, proving that Madonna still knows exactly how to make headlines after all these years.

Taylor Swift is hot on her heels with 9 nominations, and she’s looking to extend her already record-breaking collection of Moon Person trophies. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter are also major contenders with 7 nominations each. Bruno Mars rounds out the top names with 5 nominations. The ceremony will air live on CBS and MTV on September 27 from the Peachtree Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the first fall VMAs and the first time the show has been in LA since 2017.

With fan voting open through September 25 at vote.MTV.com, this year’s show is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the fall. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Madonna, a Swiftie, or rooting for another favorite, your vote matters. So what do you think of this year’s nominations? Is Madonna’s comeback the story of the year, or should Taylor or Sabrina take the top prize?

We need your help choosing between these two new songs, Katseye "Hootie Frutti" and Troye Sivan "She's the Best." Listen to both and then fill out the form below to let us know which one we should immediately add to the Magic 95 playlist.

Katseye "Hootie Frutti"

Troye Sivan "She's the Best"

If you’ve been to Elmer Thomas Park this summer, you’ve likely seen the prairie dogs. They’re a local favorite, but there’s a problem: there are too many of them. Lawton’s Parks Department has been working on a relocation plan to manage the population, which was estimated at 750 prairie dogs. So far, 364 have been moved to new homes, with 56 staying local and 308 going through Oklahoma wildlife officials to other parts of the state. The city plans to relocate another 270 this month, with some heading to Oklahoma City’s Martin Park Nature Center.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation suggests a target population of 300 prairie dogs in the park. But Mayor Stan Booker has a smaller number in mind. He’d like to see the population drop to around 100 to 150, citing concerns about damage to infrastructure and public areas near buildings. “They get out of control fast,” Booker said, noting that even after relocation efforts, the population can rebound quickly. Prairie dogs have one litter per year, with 4 to 8 pups on average, and sometimes as many as 12, so the city needs to stay on top of the situation to keep the numbers manageable.

This isn’t about getting rid of prairie dogs for good. It’s about striking a balance between keeping Elmer Thomas Park welcoming for families and maintaining the attraction these animals bring to the community. The city is taking a humane approach, moving them rather than harming them, and working with state experts to make it happen. What do you think the right number for Elmer Thomas Park is? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Recently, Ed Sheeran announced the North American leg of his 2026 LOOP Tour. The stadium dates include a stop in Arlington on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at AT&T Stadium. The LOOP tour promises an all new set design with new songs from his recently released album, Play, as well as fan favorites and some classics added in. His most recent Mathematics tour smashed attendance records all around the globe.

Magic 95 has your chance to win free tickets to the show at AT&T Stadium. All you have to do is join us at select locations between now and the concert date and sign up to get registered.

Saturday August 15th we'll be at Pure Wash Laundromat at 1503 NW Sheridan in Lawton from 10am to 4pm to give away our first pair of tickets.

Stay tuned to Magic 95 for additional dates and locations.

Tickets are on sale now at EdSheeran.com.

FOR MORE ON ED SHEERAN:
OFFICIAL WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

The man who became the center of a viral controversy at a Morgan Wallen concert this past July has been arrested. Jayson Reed, 33, was taken into custody in North Carolina and is facing four counts of second-degree assault and public urination. The charges stem from an incident at the Baltimore show where Reed allegedly urinated on a family, which included an eight-year-old girl, after becoming belligerent and intoxicated.

What made this story spread so quickly was the response from police at the scene. Initial officers said they could not arrest Reed because they hadn’t personally witnessed the act, even as video of the confrontation began circulating online. The victim’s report described Reed as belligerent, and the family was forced to leave the concert entirely to escape the situation. That video clip triggered huge backlash, putting pressure on law enforcement to revisit the case.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police announced that after a thorough follow-up investigation, they identified new witnesses who were not available that night. They consulted with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and officially filed charges. Reed is currently being held in North Carolina while he awaits extradition back to Maryland. Each second-degree assault count carries a potential maximum sentence of ten years. Do you think the delayed arrest was a failure of the initial response, or did the police get it right in the end?

Mr. Worldwide is at it again. Pitbull has officially announced his 14th studio album, and it’s got a name that’s very 2026: Pitcoin. The announcement came during his ongoing I’m Back Tour with Lil Jon, and while there’s no release date yet, fans are already buzzing about what the crypto-inspired album will sound like.

This isn’t the only win Pitbull has had recently. While performing at BST Hyde Park in London, he helped set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated Pitbull energy. And his schedule isn’t slowing down. He’s set to make an appearance at Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami Beach from October 19-22, right before the Billboard Latin Music Awards on October 22.

With his last album Trackhouse dropping in 2023, this new project has been a long time coming. Whether you love his high-energy anthems or just respect the hustle, Pitcoin is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Are you ready to buy into Pitcoin, or are you waiting for more details first?

Listen to the TJ Show weekdays from 6am to 10am right here on Magic 95. Click the link below to catch up on any audio you might've missed and scroll down to meet everyone on the show.

TJ was the kid who walked to school with his headphones plugged into his radio. Having discovered morning talk shows as a 13 year old while growing up in Hillsdale, NJ, he became hooked. In high school, he started working in radio as a volunteer.  He held many positions at his first official radio job including answering phones, producing, and eventually becoming a co-host on Elvis Duran’s nationally syndicated radio show.  TJ began hosting his own morning radio show (The TJ Show) in Boston in early 2013.  TJ is married to his wife, Jess.  They have 3 girls and a Labrador retriever named Luna.

 JBo was given her nickname by a guy in college (who   she now realizes was flirting with her) when he said,   “I’mma call you JBo because you’re fly like   JLo”. JBo claims JLo as a play cousin so the comment   wasn’t too far-fetched. She was born in Puerto Rico and   raised in the City Beautiful (Orlando, FL). She’s a military spouse and the hardest part of her marriage is finding places to keep her kicks (She’s an avid sneaker collector). Leaving enough closet space for her husband is an ongoing challenge.

Kenny is The TJ Show’s audio producer.  He has been referred to as “chronically single.” Most recently, he had a crush on his dentist, but had trouble expressing his feelings with her fingers in his mouth. Kenny thinks being on a national radio show might help him find someone that loves him.  Kenny has bowled two 300-games and one 800-series (both USBC Sanctioned).  After years of heartbreak, Kenny is still a die-hard New York Jets fan.

 What Heather lacks in hydration she makes up   for in sarcasm. No, but seriously, she really   should drink more water. On any given day you   can find her reading a memoir by a female   comedian, listening to a podcast hosted by a   female comedian, or watching a movie starring   a female comedian. Heather runs on Coke Zero   and good vibes.

Josh is a former elementary school teacher who traded in his chalkboard for a video camera! He has been developing his love for video since he was 8 years old. He entered and won his first video competition at 12 and never looked back. For the last 3 years, Josh has been busy producing almost every type of film possible. From wedding videos to TV commercials, he has done it all! He is the one responsible for making sure The TJ Show looks as good as it sounds. When he’s not filming this star-studded cast, he’s spending time with his amazing wife, daughter, and rambunctious dog Brady.

Director Veronica Rodriguez said she wanted to respect the original fans while making something fresh for today’s audience. That meant updating the music and costumes while introducing a new generation led by actors Liamani Segura and Malachi Barton. Lovato’s role is meant to support those newcomers, with Mitchie herself passing the torch to the next group of rock stars. The film also includes a new Jonas Brothers song called “Come On Over” to sweeten the deal.

The movie premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and starts streaming Friday on Disney+. Given that the original movies have been watched for over 535 million hours, it’s safe to say a lot of people are ready to head back to camp. Are you planning to watch it for the nostalgia, or are you introducing it to a new generation? Tell us in the comments.

Birdwatching has officially shed its old-school reputation. New data from the RSPB shows that nearly 750,000 people aged 16 to 29 in the UK now birdwatch regularly. That’s a stunning 1,088% increase since 2018, making it the second-fastest-growing hobby for young adults, just behind jewellery making. Overall, more than four million people in the UK are now birding, a 47% rise in just six years.

So what’s behind the shift? Accessibility is a huge factor. Apps like Merlin and iNaturalist allow beginners to identify species with just their smartphone, no binoculars required. The RSPB also offers free entry to their reserves for anyone aged 16 to 24, removing the cost barrier entirely. But beyond the tech, young birders say it’s about connection. Connection to nature, yes, but also to other people. One 23-year-old birdwatcher told the RSPB he’s made loads of friends through the hobby, proving it’s a surprisingly social activity that supports mental wellness.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap day out, a way to reduce screen time, or just want to try something different this summer, birdwatching is an easy win. You don’t need fancy gear, you just need to step outside. So, are you ready to give birdwatching a try, or have you already spotted something cool in your area? Let us know!

Usher caught wind of the chatter and responded with a video on the tour’s official Instagram page. His reaction was equal parts amused and dismissive. “Ya’ll are funny…clone? They can’t clone this??” he wrote, before adding, “AI ain’t that advanced.” The response was a perfect mix of confidence and humor, reminding everyone that the man who has been dominating stages for decades doesn’t need a stand-in. And honestly, with a tour this big alongside Chris Brown, there’s no way he’s phoning it in.

The Raymond & Brown Tour is currently in full swing and runs through Dec. 12, 2026, wrapping up at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Usher also recently joined Jay-Z onstage at Yankee Stadium, continuing a massive year for the R&B icon. But this whole clone moment proves that fans are paying attention to every little detail. 

We need your help choosing between these two new songs, Stray Kids "This & That" and Karol G & Bruno Mars "Still". Listen to both and then fill out the form below to let us know which one we should immediately add to the Magic 95 playlist.

Stray Kids "This & That"

Karol G & Bruno Mars "Still"

Phoebe Bridgers is making her long-awaited return with a rollout that fans will not forget. Her first solo album in six years, Lost Weekend, premieres inside planetariums across over 30 cities from August 10 through 15. Attendees will sit under a star-filled dome and experience the album in full, with some shows featuring a laser display and others screening a film by night-sky photographer Babak Tafreshi. It’s immersive, it’s intimate, and it’s completely phone-free.

That’s right. Every person entering the venue must place their phone and smartwatch into a sealed Yondr pouch for the entire event. The policy is designed to stop leaks before the official release, and it’s a move Bridgers has used at recent concerts. It forces fans to be present in the moment, fully focused on the music under the stars. For those who can’t attend a planetarium event, independent record stores in more than 300 cities are hosting midnight listening parties on August 13, the album’s release date.

The events are produced with Spotify and Dead Oceans, and they signal a shift in how artists are choosing to launch music. Instead of a standard drop, Bridgers is turning her album into an experience. Would you trust the pouch and hand over your phone for an early listen? Let us know in the comments.

A 22-year-old Alabama student named Kayla came home this week to find something unexpected on her childhood bed. Not laundry. Not a care package. A contract. Her mother wrote up a 16-rule “code of conduct” for living at home, and the stakes are high. Violations come with a $500 fine or eviction. The rules cover everything from household chores like pressure washing the patio to a strict 1 a.m. curfew, and overnight romantic guests are completely banned unless they’re a “confirmed best friend.”

Kayla, who works full-time and attends college online, told followers she’s barely home anyway. She’s since turned off her location sharing and posted the contract to TikTok where it’s racked up over 3 million views. The comment section is divided. Some people side with mom, pointing out that her house, her rules. Others think treating a 22-year-old like a teenager is a surefire way to push her away. Kayla says she’s planning to move out by December or January, which honestly feels like the only way this ends peacefully.

This contract is hitting home for a lot of people. A Realtor.com study found a record 25.2 million adults under 35 lived with their parents in 2025. So the question of how to live together without driving each other crazy is more relevant than ever. Do parents treat adult kids like roommates? Or do they keep the parent-child dynamic going under one roof? Tell us what you think. Would you sign this contract or would you pack your bags?

Get ready, Lawton. Saturday, Aug. 8, marks a big day for our city as we celebrate 125 years with the Lawton Rangers Longhorn Cattle Drive. If you’re heading to the festivities, or just need to get across town, you’ll want to know about the road closures and parking restrictions in place from about 8 to 9:30 a.m.

The city has set up a color-coded system to keep things moving. Red zones mark the cattle drive route and are strictly no-parking areas. Yellow zones are locations you’ll need to access before 8 a.m., and they’ll reopen around 9 a.m. Green zones are the open parking areas where you can come and go freely. The actual cattle drive runs from 8:30 to 9 a.m., so the disruptions are brief, but the windows for arrival are tight.

This is a fantastic way to see a piece of Lawton’s western heritage, with the longhorns making their way through the streets near our historic downtown. Just remember to check the event map, arrive early, and respect the posted signs. With a little planning, you can grab a spot in a green zone and enjoy the celebration. 

Ariana Grande is sending a clear message with a simple double tap. The singer liked a recent Instagram post from psychotherapist Terri Cole that read, “Unfortunately, I can confirm that not everyone will like the healthier version of you. That’s okay. Get healthier, anyway.” The move comes after months of intense public scrutiny over Grande’s weight, and fans are reading between the lines.

The timing is notable. Grande’s rep recently confirmed the “positions” singer will take a break after her tour wraps on September 1. Sources say she’s overworked and dealing with the emotional toll of constant commentary on her body. While Grande has called the break a planned, thoughtful decision, the source adds that the weight talk has made things harder. It’s a familiar story for anyone who has ever felt judged, but the scale of it at her level is hard to imagine.

This is bigger than just a celebrity moment. It’s a conversation about body image, mental health, and knowing when to step back. Whether you’re a pop star or just trying to get through the week, the reminder is the same: put your health first, even if people don’t get it. What’s your take on how society treats celebrities’ bodies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ed Sheeran’s name is all over the Billboard Global 200 this week, just not in the way you’d expect. While he hasn’t cracked the top 10 as an artist since June 2025, he’s got cowriter credits on two of the biggest songs on the chart dated August 8. Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” is holding strong at No. 1 for the fourth straight week, and Sheeran is one of the five writers behind it. KATSEYE’s new single “Animal” also debuts at No. 10 with Sheeran as a cowriter.

This isn’t a one-off move either. His first Global 200 No. 1 came as a writer on BTS’s “Permission to Dance” back in 2021. Meanwhile, his own hits “Perfect” and “Shape of You” continue to hang around the chart. “Perfect” has appeared on every single Global 200 chart since its launch in 2020, which is a level of staying power most artists can only dream of.

The bigger picture here is how much the songwriting side of music shapes what we hear every day. The voice on the track gets the fame, but the writers are building the soundscape of our summers. So next time “Dai Dai” comes on your playlist, there’s a decent chance Ed Sheeran’s fingerprints are all over it. What do you think, does knowing who wrote a song change how you hear it?

Madonna and Kylie Minogue just gave us one of the most iconic pop moments of the year. The two dance-pop legends shared the stage at WorldPride Amsterdam on Aug. 1, performing “Love Sensation” from Madonna’s Confessions II album. The crowd went wild, and the internet followed shortly after, with both artists posting heartfelt tributes to each other on social media.

Now, the excitement isn’t over. Madonna confirmed on Aug. 3 that a studio remix of the track, titled “Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix),” will be released on Aug. 7. Produced by longtime collaborator Stuart Price, the remix brings fresh energy to a song that already topped Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart. While Kylie doesn’t appear on the studio version, the live duet served as a celebration of their mutual admiration and a massive moment for the LGBTQ+ community during WorldPride.

This collaboration is a reminder of how dance music can bring people together. Whether you grew up with 80s Madonna, 2000s Kylie, or both, this release is a feel-good moment worth celebrating. Are you ready for “Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix)”? What’s your favorite dance-pop collab of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Help us choose between these two new songs, Ariana Grande "Petals" and Slayyyter "Brand New Chanel$". Listen to both and then fill out the form to weigh in on which one we should immediately add to the Magic 95 playlist.

Ariana Grande "Petals"

Slayyyter "Brand New Chanel$"

Billboard just dropped their midyear State of the Hot 100 Top 10 report, and the numbers are fascinating. Pop remains the dominant genre at 33% of top 10s, but the gaps are closing fast. Hip-hop jumped to 21%, driven almost entirely by Drake’s massive album ICEMAN, which delivered nine new top 10 hits and pushed him to a staggering 90 career top 10s. Latin music also hit its highest share in five years, with Bad Bunny leading the charge.

But the biggest headline might be the rise of the solo artist. A whopping 86% of top 10 songs now feature just one lead vocalist, the highest level in over a decade. Duets and group efforts are fading, and male-led songs now account for 57% of the top 10, while female-led tracks dropped to 36%. And yes, love is still the king of song topics, appearing in 69% of top 10 hits. So whether it’s Drake’s introspection or Bad Bunny’s romantic bangers, the charts are telling a story about what we all want to hear.

So what does this mean for your playlists? Expect more solo stars, more love songs, and a bigger mix of sounds from Latin, country, and even rock making a quiet comeback. And with Ella Langley holding the number one spot for 15 weeks with “Choosin’ Texas,” it’s clear that one genre doesn’t own the top anymore. What’s your favorite song in the top 10 right now?

Charli xcx is officially out of her Brat era. Two years after that album became a global phenomenon, she’s back with a new 10-track, 30-minute project called *Music, Fashion, Film*. And the big twist? It’s a rock album. A hard pivot from the hyperpop sound that defined her last summer.

Billboard’s *Greatest Pop Stars* podcast just dropped a full breakdown of the rollout, grading everything from the accompanying mini-movie to the album cover (which features some major film icons). They’re asking the question on everyone’s mind: is this a classic new chapter or a step back? The discussion also touches on the closing track’s surprising voice cameo from director David Cronenberg, which adds a layer of artistic weirdness.

Whether you’re a die-hard Angel or just a pop culture observer, this rollout is a masterclass in how we judge an artist’s campaign today. It’s not just about the songs anymore. It’s about the visuals, the timing, and the vibes. What do you think of Charli’s new direction? Is it a win, or should she have stayed in Brat summer a little longer? Let us know in the comments.

We love a story where trash becomes treasure, but this one is next level. Off the coast of Brazil, fishers have figured out a way to use discarded plastic bottles to save dolphins from getting caught in their nets. The idea is ingeniously simple. They zip-tie empty bottles to their gillnets. The air trapped inside the bottles reflects the dolphins’ echolocation signals, essentially acting as a warning system. The dolphins detect the net, turn around, and swim away unharmed.

Over a five-year period involving 318 fishing trips, this low-tech solution reduced accidental dolphin deaths, known as bycatch, by an incredible 88%. And here is the best part. The fishers’ fish catch remained exactly the same. No expensive equipment, no government subsidies, just recycled plastic and human creativity. Lead researcher Per Berggren summed it up perfectly when he said, “This is genuinely recycling that rescues dolphins.”

The beauty of this story is that it proves big problems don’t always need big budgets. Sometimes the best ideas come from the people on the front lines. Because of these fishers’ ingenuity, trials are now starting in Cambodia and Congo. What do you think? Could more everyday solutions like this fix the ocean’s biggest problems? Let us know in the comments.