Emily B seems to be all smiles every time fans catch a glimpse of her popping out with Kountry Wayne! She and the comedian have been sparking dating rumors for the last few months. Their latest pop-out in a party-like setting had fans, once again, applauding Emily for seemingly finding love (or at least catching a lil’ vibe).
Emily B & Kountry Wayne Seen Cheesing In New Video
The footage surfaced on influencer Nina Austin’s Instagram Story. She tagged Kountry Wayne, writing “The Boss Man Himself” on the short clip. He stood in what looked like a private booth, passionately rapping Jeezy’s lyrics from the song ‘Bottom of the Map’ in the background. Emily B was right by his side, also rapping the lyrics with her pearly whites showing! That’s all the clip reveals, but it was enough to geek the fans!
Social Media Reacts To Alleged Couple Hanging Out
20 Years Later, Happened To Fabolous & Emily B?
It’s been over a year since Emily B announced her relationship with Fabolous had ended. By then, they’d been dating on and off for about 20 years, welcoming two sons, Jonas and Johan, and a daughter, Journey. Last July, she clarified that their romance was a wrap. “Me and Fab are good. Amazing. There’s no tea,” Emily B said last year. That short statement finally put the rumors from 2022 to rest. Back then, she had sparked talks of splitting from her long-term bae when she revealed that she had moved into a new home.
It’s unclear what exactly led to the end of their bond. However, there have been speculations that Fab was unfaithful throughout the relationship for years. Additionally, he’s been accused of committing domestic violence against his children’s mother. In 2018, he was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly knocking out her two front teeth and inflicting other bodily injuries.
Fans are sending Finesse2Tymes love and prayers after he came through with a status update about his life. The rapper opened up in an Instagram Story post, leaving folks wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Finesse2Tymes Gets Real About Life Update In Emotional Post
The 33-year-old musician sparked reactions online after he got real about some struggles he’s dealing with. Finesse2Tymes told his Instagram followers that he’s been juggling a lot and just wants space after losing one of the mothers of his children. He also claimed that he’s battling issues with CPS over one of his daughters. “I ain’t gone lie, Right now its best mf leave me alone, I’m fighting cps about my youngest daughter, And my oldest daughter and my middle daughter mama just died,” Finesse wrote.
From there, Finesse told fans that he was preparing for life as a single parent, but was worried because he never had a father figure present. “So now I’m about to have to learn how to be a single parent and don’t know S**T because I ain’t have no daddy, Can’t call my mama.” Furthermore, he shared that all he wanted right now is to be left alone. “I don’t want nun but money and peace leave me alone I’m telling ya pressure bust pipes,” he added.
Social Media Shows Support To Finesse2Tymes Amid His Life Update
Folks quickly gathered in The Shade Room’s comment section to send prayers to FiInesse2Tymes. Some social media users sent him well wishes, hoping he gets through this, while others suggested that he reach out to his mom.
Instagram user @winewithbrittani wrote, “Praying for you! This is deep 🙏🏽”
Instagram user @iam_erica_h wrote, “Praying for them babies losing their momma…”
While Instagram user @lashell_paradisee wrote, “I think That’s his inner child cry y’all leave him alone , he’s fighting and confused 🙏”
Then Instagram user @a.rosetrucker wrote, “Hope he gets through this…”
Another Instagram user @t.avilaaa wrote, “Call your mom , make amends . Move her in to your house so she can help with your kids. Be a better father. Simple.”
Instagram user @iamkendranicol3 wrote, “This man always has the most going on. I pray God helps him get it together, especially for his kids.”
While another Instagram user @courtney_courtneyyyy wrote, “ALWAYS check on your strong friends.”
Instagram user @mz_gem_in_i wrote, “Praying for this young man for strength guidance and encouragement.”
Finally, Instagram user @ash.cash_baby wrote, “Prayers to him. Sounds like he is going through a lot. I can’t believe yall missed that message.”
Latest Update On Finesse2Tymes’ Relationship With His Mother
For those wondering why Finesse said he can’t call his mom, it looks like they’re still not on good terms. Back in August, fans had questions after his mother, Pluria Alexander was asking for donations. She claimed she needed a new place to live after Finesse stopped paying her bills due to them falling out and leaving her to cover all of her expenses. She said she had her own car, home, and job before moving from Memphis to Texas. However as of August she accused him of causing her eviction and being abusive. As of right now, Finesse hasn’t confirmed or denied any of her claims.
“This is the third time my son’s actions have left me homeless, and each time it becomes harder to recover. My landlord has given me just a few days to pay, and I expect an eviction filing this week. I’m doing everything I can to stay close to my family and maintain my health, but the stress is overwhelming. I struggle with anxiety and depression and the emotional toll of narcissistic abuse from my son has made things even harder,” Pluria wrote in her alleged GoFundMe’s description.
Coolkicks, a well-known sneaker store in Los Angeles is under investigation. According to PEOPLE, police raided the Melrose Avenue shop in the Fairfax District and detained four people, including the CEO and owner, Adeel Shams.
Coolkicks Owner Reportedly Arrested After Store Raid — Here’s What We Know
KTLA reports that officers with the Commercial Crimes Division searched Coolkicks’ Santa Monica warehouse. On Thursday, Oct. 2., police reportedly detained four people, including owner Adeel Shams, and booked him on a felony charge for allegedly receiving counterfeit items worth more than $950. Authorities also seized dozens of Nike sneakers during the bust. At the time, Shams was live-streaming an online sneaker auction when police walked in. A Reddit video shows him looking surprised and assuming it was just a “swatting” prank — a scheme where people send emergency responders to a location under false pretenses. But this time, it wasn’t a joke. Officers cuffed Shams and three others on the spot.
Coolkicks Breaks Silence Following Police Raid
One day after the police raid, Coolkicks dropped an official statement on Instagram. The store claimed that officers allegedly never accused them of selling fake merchandise. They also emphasized that authorities only took a small number of Nike sneakers that they reportedly believed were stolen.
“Neither Coolkicks’ leadership, nor our staff, had any knowledge or reason to believe that these products were stolen. We entered into this purchase in good faith, as we always have, committed to running an honest business built on integrity and trust,” the statement read.
Additionally, the sneaker shop assured consumers that they make authenticity their top priority. “Coolkicks takes pride in serving our loyal community with authentic, high-quality products and service; it is at the heart of our culture. We want to reassure our community that the integrity of our products remains our highest priority.”
What’s Next For Coolkicks & CEO Adeel Shams?
PEOPLE states that authorities have reportedly released Adeel Shams after his arrest. An alleged booking record from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shows that he must appear in court on October 23. Coolkicks LA has not confirmed whether its Melrose shop remains open, but the sneaker store has continued posting on its Instagram Stories since the incident.
New details have emerged about former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy. The football player was previously arrested in January after being accused of causing a crash that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall. Lacy later tragically passed away in April after a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Now, his attorney is speaking out and sharing footage to prove Lacy didn’t cause the fatal accident that led to his arrest.
New Footage Surfaces as Kyren Lacy’s Attorney Challenges Crash Allegations
Lacy’s attorney Matt Ory spoke to HTV 10 News In Louisiana nearly a year after the fatal incident, per Sports Illustrated. Ory compared the district attorney’s findings with the original surveillance footage and argued that Lacy didn’t cause the crash. He said the data and video showed that “Kyren Lacy passed four cars.”
“At the time of impact he’s 72.6 yards behind the vehicles at the time of impact,” Matt Ory said. “Key word behind the vehicles. That is not how this story was ever painted.
Here’s What Happened During The Fatal January Car Crash
As TSR previously reported, police issued a warrant for Kyren Lacy in January, according to ESPN. They accused the 2025 NFL draft pick of fleeing the scene without helping following a head-on collision in Thibodaux, Louisiana that killed Herman Hall. On December 17, Lacy reportedly drove a 2023 Dodge Charger at high speed on a Louisiana highway. ESPN noted that a 2017 Kia Cadenza trailed a pickup truck and swerved to avoid Lacy, who crossed the centerline and collided with a southbound vehicle. Hall later died from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities also claimed Lacy allegedly drove away without reporting the crash. At the time, police charged him with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless driving.
Details On Kyren Lacy’s Tragic Passing
Three months after facing allegations tied to the car crash, Kyren Lacy passed away in April. The 24-year-old NFL draft pick was found deceased in Houston on April 13. TMZ reported that he died from a self-inflicted firearm wound following a police chase. Authorities said a woman told 911 that Lacy got into a verbal argument with her and fired a gun into the ground before leaving the scene. Police tried to pull him over, but Lacy reportedly drove off, prompting a pursuit that ended when he crashed his vehicle. Officers later found him inside the car with a gunshot wound and discovered a firearm nearby.
A few weeks ago, news broke that a 15-year-old girl was found dead in the trunk of a Tesla registered to rising star D4vd. And the internet exploded with rumors, wild theories, and straight-up speculation. But now, D4vd’s manager, Josh Marshall, is stepping out of the shadows to address the swirling drama. Read what he had to say as he finally spoke out and set the record straight.
In the comments of a recent TikTok video, Josh Marshall opened up about the rumors linking him to the investigation. He made it clear he never received any emails about the missing girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and said he had zero knowledge of the situation. Marshall claimed that he works remotely 95% of the time and isn’t involved in day-to-day interactions with d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. Marshall also urged everyone to leave speculation behind, as he himself is busy supporting his family emotionally through the news.
“This has been a tough time for my family as I am a father of 3 children,” Marshall, who goes by JMogul on TikTok, wrote in the comments of a video addressing the rumors. “I never received any emails. I had zero knowledge of anything and I don’t live in California. Also I work remotely 95% of the time and my job doesn’t require me to have much interaction with any of my clients/David as there are many others that work with him on a day to day capacity, not me. This news is tragic for so many and for her family. I hope the proper authorities get to the bottom of it soon.”
Police Activity At Celeste’s Home Raises Questions
New details are beginning to paint a fuller picture of what may have been going on behind the scenes in Celeste’s life. According to newly obtained records, Riverside County deputies made multiple visits to her home between 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, there was reportedly a spike in activity in February, earlier this year.
ABC News reports that many of the calls were marked as “FU,” short for “follow-up,” suggesting they weren’t emergency responses but rather recurring check-ins by law enforcement. The reason for those visits hasn’t been confirmed, but it adds another layer to the ongoing investigation.
New Details Emerge On Celeste’s Cause Of Death
The investigation into the tragic death of Celeste remains ongoing—and her official cause of death is still unknown. According to her death certificate, the cause is listed as “deferred.” Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner continues to await lab tests and toxicology results that could provide more answers. For now, authorities say the case remains a death investigation rather than a homicide. Furthermore, the certificate also confirms that Celeste was not, and had not been, pregnant in the last year.
As cuffing season approaches, Megan Thee Stallion is making it clear that she doesn’t have to worry about a thing because she’s got her man, Klay Thompson. The Houston Hottie is showing fans just how locked in she is by teasing a track about her baby! Let’s get into it!
Megan Thee Stallion Drops Hint About Record Seemingly Dedicated To Klay Thompson
Recently, The Shade Room peeped a video of Megan Thee Stallion in the studio. The ‘Right Now’ raptress could be seen hitting play on a track and then busting moves while he straight buss down hair sways as she twerks. You can clearly hear Meg’s voice on the track as she raps, “My man, my man, my man, my baby, my baby!” Meg made sure not to give away too much about the track, but fans immediately guessed she might be cooking up a new bop.
Meg’s New Song Tease Has The Internet Talking
Meanwhile, over in The Shade Room’s comment section, the roommates were feeling the lil’ snippet of Meg’s track, with some saying they are ready for her to release the full song. Peep some of the reactions below.
Instagram user @sheisthe_t wrote, “Yeeesssss Meg 😜😜😜”
Instagram user @keeks910 wrote, “This beat 🔥🔥🔥 I wanna NOLA bounce in slow motion.”
While Instagram user @whowaynereal wrote, “This will be latto favorite song frfr 😂”
Then Instagram user @_lextheproblem wrote, “This sounds like a cute lil song for them anniversary & birthday videos and TikTok’s for ya boo 🥰🥰”
While another Instagram user @justweezy wrote, “She looks soooo bomb 🔥”
Then another Instagram user @ulovefaith wrote, “Meg is in her “ my man “ era and I love this for her.”
Finally, Instagram user @0nlyyy.pimpishh_ wrote, “Dropppppppppppp😩😩😩🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍”
Meg & Klay Showcase Their Love With Boo’d Up Moments
This summer, Meg and Klay took over timelines with their relationship. The pair seemingly hard-launched their romance in July and have been sharing sweet moments of their romance across social media. From daytime yacht trips to grinding in the gym, fans might be right: Meg is clearly in her love bag. Meg and Klay’s most recent adventure saw them enjoying a golf date together, and it was pure vibes. Meg brought the looks with her fire outfit, and Klay came through flexing his skills and putting his lady onto the rules of the game. Peep the video below.
Super Bowl LX is a few months away, but U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) is already outlining how they plan to handle immigration at the event. The news comes after Bad Bunny was revealed as the event’s halftime performer.
ICE Reveals Immigrations Plans Ahead Of Super Bowl LX
ICE will have a strong presence outside Super Bowl LX in February 2026, where Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show in Santa Clara, California. During a podcast interview with Benny Johnson, Donald Trump’s advisor, Corey Lewandowski, emphasized that ICE will stop at nothing to deport people living in the U.S. illegally. “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” Lewandowski explained.
Furthermore, Corey Lewandowski said Trump issued the directive himself, mentioning that his goal is to always keep Americans safe.
“We’re going to do enforcement everywhere. We are going to make Americans safe. That is a directive from the president. If you’re in this country illegally, do your a favor: Go home,” Lewandowski continued.
Social Media Sounds Off On ICE’s Super Bowl LX Plans
Meanwhile, folks on social media didn’t waste a second hitting up The Shade Room’s comment section to react to ICE’s plans. People were heated, saying the move comes off as racist, while others tried to school ICE, reminding them that Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. See some of the reactions below.
Instagram user @merije wrote, “I’m confused. Do we expect undocumented people to be chilling at the Super Bowl?”
Instagram user @allthingsarielk wrote, “So basically ICE is just going to be harassing all of the Hispanic people at the super bowl … classy.”
While Instagram user @trinivixen1127 wrote, “Puerto Rico is apart of the United States 😩😭 and I highly doubt illegal immigrants would drop a bag to go to the Super Bowl 🤣”
Then Instagram user @jriggz wrote, “They not even trying to hide their racism anymore. 😒”
Another Instagram user @flavapfever wrote, “I wonder if ICE be at Taylor Swift concerts 🤔”
Instagram user @idiaogala wrote, “Reminder: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.”
While another Instagram user @locbaeraeofficial wrote, “This is discriminatory & miserable. Find something else to do other than to harass people.”
Finally, Instagram user @emil_jayare wrote, “Tax payers money btw, being used to harass people . . . This government is a joke.”
More About Bad Bunny’s Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
As of right now, Bad Bunny hasn’t reacted to ICE’s Super Bowl plans. But he’s still hyping up his halftime show set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 8. Once they confirmed him as the headliner, he dropped a quick promo clip on Instagram with Apple Music. The video shows the 31-year-old Puerto Rican superstar chilling on a goal post while his music plays in the background. About his halftime performance, Bad Bunny reportedly said he plans to put on an epic show for his culture and its history.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL,” BB reportedly explained.
Chris Gotti Opens Up About His Disappointment In Ashanti Following Irv Gotti’s Passing
On Tuesday, September 30, a new interview was published on the YouTube channel for ‘The Breakfast Club.’ Furthermore, the interview featured Chris Gotti as a guest, and about twenty-eight minutes into the sit-down, Chris mentioned Ashanti’s former fling with his late brother. To note, the pair were linked during the early 2000s, as previously reported by The Shade Room.
“All Irv did was yell how much he loved her — and the way he [was] talking about everything, you could tell, as a man, he loved that woman. He was heartbroken,” Chris told the radio hosts.
As the conversation continued, Loren LoRosa asked Chris if he and Ashanti have been able to talk since Irv’s passing. Furthermore, she noted hearing that Chris was upset at Ashanti’s February-released interview with Angie Martinez, where she spoke about where her relationship with Irv stood before his passing.
“I was upset because we haven’t spoke in person after Irv’ passing. Imagine that? And I promise you, I’m the reason she was Murda Inc… She knows it. For her not to call me after Irv’s passing — she text me. [But] that don’t feel right. Her mother. Tina. That don’t feel right,” Chris explained. “I did everything for them. Never did I get anything in return.”
Ultimately, Chris explained that Ashanti did not attend Irv’s funeral. He admitted that she sent flowers and sent him a text. However, he explained that he and his family would’ve appreciated a physical visit from the singer.
See his full comments below.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users slid into TSR’s comments, sharing their reactions to Chris Gotti’s stance and disappointment with Ashanti.
Instagram user @ashleyshymiller wrote, “Their obsession with her is scary”
While Instagram user @lolabunni3__ added, “Why must she comfort youuuu .”
Instagram user @lyttebryte wrote, “Leave her alone 🙄 she needs to send that whole family a cease and desist”
While Instagram user @sugahjae added, “After dragging her name through the mud , she still remained humble , texted you and sent flowers, still you feel entitled the audacity”
Instagram user @ms_ginny wrote, “She doesn’t owe anyone anything sheesh! Let her live”
While Instagram user @ebonez10 added, “That family is always demanding something from that lady and holding a grudge… good grief.”
Instagram user @mxckv wrote, “This is a married woman. Would he be comfortable with his wife visiting the family of man who called her everything but a child of God while he was alive?”
While Instagram user @im_a_queen_no_matter_what added, “Wasn’t Irv married?? The only woman you should’ve been worried about showing up is his wife! Disrespected that lady for too damn long!”
Instagram user @esh_sneesh wrote, “This interview was so annoying, folks need to realize nobody owes u anything in this world..”
While Instagram user @hassi_lynn added, “Respectfully, I would not have made a phone call either. I don’t want to hear you vent to me about the loss of a person that continuously kicked my back in.”
Meanwhile, Ashanti Appears To Be Living Her Best Life
For context, as The Shade Room previously reported, Irv Gotti passed away on February 5, 2025. A few days later, Ashanti broke her silence and shared a lengthy post on Instagram about how “things ended.”
In March, the singer’s sit-down with Angie Martinez was released. In it, she shared that Irv’s passing was “a lot to process.” Additionally, she shared that she “was really sad… it ended like this because there was a time when things were, like, amazing.” Furthermore, she noted that she wished she and Irv could’ve reconciled. She appeared to be referring to Irv publicly speaking about their sexual relationship, and his comments dissing her solo career.
In May, Chris made headlines for coming down on Ashanti himself, per The Shade Room.
However, despite this and Chris’s most recent comments, Ashanti appears to be in great spirits and living her best life. Peep the footage of her, taken at a recent show, below.
When it comes to his son with Brittany Renner, it appears PJ Washington is pulling his weight! At least, that’s the case with the financial obligations the court previously arranged. She and the Dallas Mavericks’ player share a 4-year-old named after him, Paul Jermaine Washington III. Earlier this month, Renner filed court documents to continue receiving child support for mini PJ. Recently, TMZ pulled those docs, which shed light on the monthly amount Washington is paying.
PJ Washington Is Giving Brittany Renner A Few Racks Monthly
According to TMZ, Renner filed a notice in Los Angeles County to ensure she can collect the child support checks in California. Her and PJ Washington’s case originated in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. A consent order from November 2024 determined that Washington must pay Brittany Renner $5,500 a month. Additionally, the order required the NBA player to pay his ex-girlfriend a lump sum of $130,000. That money was meant to satisfy “any and all existing child support accruing prior to the entry of this consent” and Renner’s lawyer fees. When Brittany filed the notice, PJ Washington was reportedly up-to-date on his required payments and owed $0 in arrears.
Since they split in 2021, fans have speculated about the dollar amount of the child support payments. Rumors have even claimed Washington consistently shells out six figures. Then, in August 2022, she shut down those rumors in an interview with Ace Metaphor and others. During that sit-down, she clarified that she also provides for their son and later confirmed PJ was giving her about $2,500 a month. Again, since last year, that amount has doubled to $5,500.
What’s The Status Of Brittany & PJ’s Co-Parenting Relationship?
While PJ might not be missing any payments, Renner recently blasted him for seemingly not giving enough money or time compared to his new family. At the top of September, footage surfaced online of a heated argument between Renner, her mother, Washington and his wife, Alisah Chanel. The viral moment, filmed by Renner’s mom, shows Brittany telling PJ during custody pick-up that their son cries every time he has to go with dad. Washington seemingly brushed her comment off and attempted to ask for their son’s backpack before walking away in what looked like frustration. “Actually show up and do something with him,” she called behind him.
The back-and-forth escalated after Brittany and her mom followed PJ to his truck. Brit, her mom, and PJ exchanged profane words with each other. Then, the mother claimed the pro-baller gave his “h*e,” meaning his wife, $170,000 while his firstborn only has $11,000 in his bank account. At that point, Alisah Chanel hopped in with spicy clapbacks, leading Renner’s mom to invite her to “get out the car.” The video cut off shortly afterward, and it’s still unclear when exactly it was filmed and whether the co-parents have reconciled since then.
NBA Player Is BALLIN’ After Landing Lucrative Deal
One thing Renner’s mother was right about is that there is money flowing in the Washington household! Soon after the argument went viral, Alisah Chanel took to Instagram to show off the custom 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan she gifted PJ for his 27th birthday. In her caption, she said the gift was her doing her “big one” in the same way he’s “always [gone] above and beyond” to make her dreams a reality. The luxury car reportedly retails for at least $400,000.
Two days after that flex came an even bigger one! PJ Washington signed a $90 million extension deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He will cash checks and hit the court with the team until the 2029-2030 season. Whether Brittany Renner plans to ask for more financial support in light of the news remains unclear!
A Missouri family is grieving their 8-year-old just weeks before what would have been his ninth birthday. Cortez Williams Jr., lovingly known as CJ, passed away within hours of a children’s swing set collapsing on him. The death shocked his loved ones, mainly because CJ didn’t have much external injury when they first freed him from the playset. He would’ve turned nine years old in October 2025.
The St. Louis County Police Department released a report on September 22 about what happened to CJ. It cited the date and time of the swing set accident as the day before, around 6 p.m. Officers from the city’s North County Precinct responded to a call for sick service. When they arrived at the home on the 11300 block of Larimore Road, Cortez Williams Jr. was found unresponsive.
During their initial investigation, officers learned 8-year-old CJ was “playing on a backyard swing set when it collapsed,” per the press release. After the set collapsed, it trapped Williams Jr. under a crossbar. Family members ultimately freed the child, who reportedly “only appeared to have minor injuries. Later, CJ became unresponsive. After being transported to the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead.
His cause of death will be determined after an autopsy. However, the local Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is already investigating the death as accidental. Last week, CJ’s loved ones were reportedly arranging his homegoing service.
Father Of Cortez Williams Jr. Speaks Out
WUSA9 also caught up with Cortez Williams Sr., who gave an emotional interview about losing his son during what was supposed to be a chill Sunday afternoon. The father told the outlet he had dropped his 8-year-old off at his mother’s house that morning. Then, several hours later, he got the shocking FaceTime call from his daughter. On it, she was allegedly crying and saying CJ wasn’t responsive. At the time, Williams Sr. said the only thing going through his mind was returning to his son, given that he was out of town for work.
After other family members freed CJ, his dad said he didn’t show any apparent signs of injury, such as bleeding. He had “a little scratch on his stomach,” but that was about it. His behavior appeared normal, aside from expressing sleepiness.
“They said he was talking, responding, asking for water and something to eat,” Williams Sr. said. “The only thing he kept saying was that he wanted to go to sleep.”
While CJ napped, his mother made him something to eat, per Williams Sr. About an hour after that, things worsened, the dad said. When he woke up and walked around, he collapsed. Still, he had no external injuries and kept asking for water and something to eat. “…So they gave him some water, and she was finished cooking the food, and they said he was quiet for a while,” his father told WUSA9. “Next thing you know, they said he wasn’t responding anymore.”
Dad Shares Message About Kids & Minor Injuries
During his interview, Cortez Williams Sr. made it a point to share an important message with other parents. He warned them to take their children to the hospital for “any little thing” that happens.
“The risk of not taking them is…you see the pain I’m in, it’s a bad risk, I don’t want anyone to have to go through this. I’m trying my best, but it’s hard,” CJ’s dad said.
Sadly, Williams Sr. didn’t make it home in time to see his son alive again. “It’s pain that’ll never go away,” the father told WUSA9. “Because of his age… it’s just something that’ll never leave.” The dad remembers his 8-year-old as a joyful kid who loved scary movies and food. He was looking forward to starting soccer.
Like Williams Sr., the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also issued warnings about home playground equipment, such as swing sets. The agency reports that about 50,000 kids go to the ER for related injuries every year. Most of the injuries are reportedly falls. However, in some cases, kids have died when equipment tips over or breaks, trapping a child(ren).
In his first two months in office, President Donald Trump ordered the closing of the Education Department and fired half of its staff. The department’s research and statistics division, called the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), was particularly hard hit. About 90 percent of its staff lost their jobs and more than 100 federal contracts to conduct its primary activities were canceled.
But now there are signs that the Trump administration is partially reversing course and wants the federal government to retain a role in generating education statistics and evidence for what works in classrooms — at least to some extent. On Sept. 25, the department posted a notice in the Federal Register asking the public to submit feedback by Oct. 15 on reforming IES to make research more relevant to student learning. The department also asked for suggestions on how to collect data more efficiently.
The timeline for revamping IES remains unclear, as is whether the administration will invest money into modernizing the agency. For example, it would take time and money to pilot new statistical techniques; in the meantime, statisticians would have to continue using current protocols.
Still, the signs of rebuilding are adding up.
Related: Our free weekly newsletter alerts you to what research says about schools and classrooms.
At the end of May, the department announced that it had temporarily hired a researcher from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a conservative think tank, to recommend ways to reform education research and development. The researcher, Amber Northern, has been “listening” to suggestions from think tanks and research organizations, according to department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann, and now wants more public feedback.
Biedermann said that the Trump administration “absolutely” intends to retain a role in education research, even as it seeks to close the department. Closure will require congressional approval, which hasn’t happened yet. In the meantime, Biedermann said the department is looking across the government to find where its research and statistics activities “best fit.”
Other IES activities also appear to be resuming. In June, the department disclosed in a legal filing that it had or has plans to reinstate 20 of the 101 terminated contracts. Among the activities slated to be restarted are 10 Regional Education Laboratories that partner with school districts and states to generate and apply evidence. It remains unclear how all 20 contracts can be restarted without federal employees to hold competitive bidding processes and oversee them.
Earlier in September, the department posted eight new jobs to help administer the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also called the Nation’s Report Card. These positions would be part of IES’s statistics division, the National Center for Education Statistics. Most of the work in developing and administering tests is handled by outside vendors, but federal employees are needed to award and oversee these contracts. After mass firings in March, employees at the board that oversees NAEP have been on loan to the Education Department to make sure the 2026 NAEP test is on schedule.
Only a small staff remains at IES. Some education statistics have trickled out since Trump took office, including its first release of higher education data on Sept. 23. But the data releases have been late and incomplete.
It is believed that no new grants have been issued for education studies since March, according to researchers who are familiar with the federal grant making process but asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation. A big obstacle is that a contract to conduct peer review of research proposals was canceled so new ideas cannot be properly vetted. The staff that remains is trying to make annual disbursements for older multi-year studies that haven’t been canceled.
With all these changes, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to figure out the status of federally funded education research. One potential source of clarity is a new project launched by two researchers from George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University. Rob Olsen and Betsy Wolf, who was an IES researcher until March, are tracking cancellations and keeping a record of research results for policymakers.
If it’s successful, it will be a much-needed light through the chaos.
The Hechinger Report provides in-depth, fact-based, unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers. But that doesn’t mean it’s free to produce. Our work keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues at schools and on campuses throughout the country. We tell the whole story, even when the details are inconvenient. Help us keep doing that.
WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Gavin Abundis watched as firefighter Adrian Chairez demonstrated how he uses pulleys and harnesses to rappel down buildings. “You’ve probably seen it in the movies where they’re going down ‘Mission: Impossible’ style,” Chairez said with a laugh one day this past winter as he prepared to step off a tower. “We get to do that.”
Abundis, a then-senior at Aptos High School in Santa Cruz County’s Pajaro Valley Unified School District, has a friend whose home burned down a few years ago in a fire sparked by lightning. He said it’s pretty common to know someone who has been affected by fires in California, especially as they become more frequent and intense because of climate change. That drew him to this class on fire technology, and may steer his career.
“Knowing that there’s something that I can do about it to serve my community definitely encourages me to pursue this career,” said Abundis.
Demand for the course has grown so much in recent years that the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which jointly runs the class with the Watsonville Fire Department, doubled the number of classes offered, from two to four, this school year. “There was a time when we would go into the schools and recruit students,” said Rudy Lopez Sr., fire chief of the Watsonville department. “Now, they just sign up.”
As climate change alters the environment and economies, the need is growing for jobs that help prepare for, respond to and lessen damage caused by fires, floods and other natural disasters. That’s led schools and community colleges to explore how to prepare students for careers in such fields as fire science, protecting and restoring watersheds and other ecosystems, forestry management and search and rescue. In some cases, student interest is driving the new courses — surveys show teenagers and younger adults are more environmentally conscious than older people and more likely to support action on climate change.
Watsonville, Calif., Fire Chief Rudy Lopez Sr. talks with students during a Fire Youth Academy class at Watsonville Fire Station No. 2. Credit: Minh Connors for The Hechinger Report
Kate Kreamer, executive director of Advance CTE, a nonprofit that supports state leaders who oversee career and technical education programs, said more school districts are offering climate-related CTE courses, but it’s challenging to find statistics because the issue is so politicized and because what the classes are called differs by school, district and state. One example of that growth: A “resiliency careers in forestry” program, which trains people as foresters, fire program managers and log truck drivers at five California community colleges, enrolls some 700 students compared with 37 when it launched three years ago, according to the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
Students in Santa Cruz’s yearlong fire science course say they love that it’s so hands-on. They practice putting on and taking off more than 70 pounds of equipment in under 90 seconds, watch water cannons blast from the top of fire engines and get a chance to hold “attack lines,” 200-foot-long water hoses. They also learn about the specialized vocabulary of firefighting, the range of jobs available and the certifications that are required. The course helps expose students to careers in firefighting, which is facing a significant shortage of people to fill jobs in California and some other regions of the country. In the state, entry-level jobs pay between roughly $50,000 and $100,000 per year, according to the statewide group California Professional Firefighters.
Charlotte Morgan, a soft-spoken then-senior from Aptos in the Watsonville class, said she wanted to take this course specifically because of her interest in climate change: “Growing up in Santa Cruz, we spend so much time outside and we care so much about it, and I want to protect that.”
Her friend Bellamy Breen said she felt the same way, though she’s interested in working on water conservation issues. “With climate change there’s more droughts, there’s more saltwater intrusion, and with all the agriculture here, it’s very important,” she said.
Related: Want to read more about how climate change is shaping education? Subscribe to our free newsletter.
Watsonville firefighter Adrian Chairez rappels from the top of a building during a Fire Youth Academy class in Watsonville. Credit: Minh Connors for The Hechinger Report
President Joe Biden championed such initiatives as the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which invested billions of federal dollars in supporting jobs that tackle climate change, including clean energy manufacturing, water infrastructure projects and wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts. Under President Donald Trump, who calls climate change a hoax, there has been a swift reversal of those initiatives. In recent months, the federal government has let go of hundreds of climate scientists, halted research funding and canceled 400 grants to help communities prepare for more extreme weather events.
Yet for communities that have been hit with natural disasters, there is a demand for jobs that transcends politics, even in conservative communities where climate change is sometimes dismissed as fake science.
John Gossett, president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in North Carolina, said that after Hurricane Helene devastated his region last year, college presidents in Mississippi and Louisiana who have endured catastrophic natural disasters told him to expect an enrollment drop of 40 percent to 50 percent. But Gossett said that while enrollment in several programs has remained flat, courses in fields that were highly visible during the hurricane — such as fire and rescue, EMT and paramedics and nursing — have drawn more interest from students.
Police officers played a big role during the disaster, participating in search and rescue missions and directing traffic. Gossett said the college had to double its number of basic law enforcement training cohorts from two to four this semester in response to the unexpected demand. It also reinstated a course in geomatics, or land surveying, and added a class in agri permaculture, an approach to land management that imitates natural ecosystems in rebuilding. The college’s construction program offers additional environmentally friendly certifications, including in green buildings and solar technology.
Gossett sees a strong link between these in-demand courses and economic development of the region, even though there is no mention of climate change in course descriptions. “It’s in our mission, it’s what we do,” he said. “We’re trying to help people get to a better place in life, where they can make more money and have more options. And all of that is wrapped around workforce development.”
Southeastern Kentucky has also been hit recently by disasters, including catastrophic floods in 2021, 2022 and 2025 that led to a devastating number of deaths, unsalvageable homes and mud-filled businesses and school buildings. It’s the region served by Hazard Community and Technical College, with 4,400 students across campuses in Central Appalachia. “You just can’t believe how much water there was, there was 6 feet of water in one of our buildings,” recalled its president, Jennifer Lindon.
Students wait as firefighters prepare a demonstration during a Fire Youth Academy class in Watsonville. Credit: Minh Connors for The Hechinger Report
She said the college is rethinking course offerings to be more responsive to the disasters. Hazard offers an annual firefighter training, but water rescue is becoming such an important part of the job that the college is adding a swift water rescue component, focused on saving people from fast-moving floods, for first responders from across the state. Its classes in construction are changing too, to incorporate information on how to rebuild homes on higher ground to better withstand winds and floods. Because of the demand, Hazard now runs several construction courses simultaneously, and the curriculum is accelerated — what would have taken 16 weeks now takes six.
Lindon said there are waiting lists for Hazard’s heavy equipment and line worker classes, as the community clears debris and rebuilds infrastructure. The college is also designing a new course on water treatment systems, after a plant flooded, leaving several counties with no drinking water for days. Lindon said the county is building a new treatment facility, which means there will be several jobs available.
“It’s time to really sit down and think about how we plan for 10 years, 20 years, because I don’t think that these disasters are one-offs,” she said. “What we thought was a 1,000-year flood has happened in three of the last five years. So it’s a different time for sure. Most of us all really love this area. We want to stay here, so we need to figure out how to better protect it.”
Other institutions are seeing the need to reach out to students to get them interested in these careers early on. John Boyd leads Mayland Community College, about an hour’s drive from Asheville, North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Boyd’s community is still cleaning up from the storm, and the college has lost students as many residents moved out of the area. But it hired a firefighter instructor to teach the area’s all-volunteer firefighters and work with K-12 schools to expose younger students to careers important in the region. The college is also building an environmental science center featuring exhibits for children to give them a better understanding of local environmental changes, like how physical damage during Hurricane Helene caused rivers to become permanently wider and deeper.
In this deep red area, no one mentions climate change. “We’re a very, very conservative area here,” said Boyd. “We focus on what it is and what we do now, not how it got there.”
The college is also training operators of large machinery like backhoes and bulldozers. Half of the trees in one local county were downed in the storm, and other debris still needs to be cleared. “That timber in another year is going to become a massive fire hazard,” said Boyd. “For the next few years we’re going to have a lot of fuel laying on the ground.”
Kreamer, with Advance CTE, said disaster-related coursework is one piece of a bigger shift, with high schools around the country altering courses in fields as diverse as construction, HVAC, fashion technology and cooking to adapt for climate change. Matt Siegelman, president of Burning Glass Institute, which analyzes labor market data, said many traditional jobs now require an understanding of green technology. Construction, for example, increasingly relies on sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs and newer construction techniques. Green jobs are growing at about 2 percent a year, but traditional construction jobs that require some green skills are growing much faster, he said.
Kreamer said that as demand for these roles grows, a number of challenges must still be overcome, including improving collaboration between education and industries and between community colleges and K-12 schools. “You can only do so much by reskilling,” she said. “Adults have to look at the next generation as part of that pipeline strategy,” by introducing students to career options in elementary and middle school.
Jack Widman is dragged on the floor during a demonstration on how a firefighter would rescue someone during the Fire Youth Academy class in Watsonville. Credit: Minh Connors for The Hechinger Report
In firefighting, career opportunities differ by geography, with rural areas often relying on volunteer squads and larger cities on paid workers. Concerns about the health risks facing wildfire firefighters have also been intensifying.
In California, more than 6,500 wildfires have broken out so far in 2025, putting this on pace to be one of the worst years for fires on record. In Santa Cruz, district administrators expect more than 110 students to complete the fire science program this school year, compared with 57 last year.
Students say they learn not just about fighting fires, but also about standing up for others, persevering and not getting discouraged. “It’s super-valuable life advice,” said Jack Widman, a then-senior, during last winter’s class at the Watsonville fire station. Like his classmate Gavin Abundis, Widman is considering a career in firefighting.
“Firefighting doesn’t solve climate change,” added Abundis, “but I feel I’m part of the solution.”
Contact editor Caroline Preston at 212-870-8965, via Signal at CarolineP.83 or on email at preston@hechingerreport.org.
The Hechinger Report provides in-depth, fact-based, unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers. But that doesn’t mean it’s free to produce. Our work keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues at schools and on campuses throughout the country. We tell the whole story, even when the details are inconvenient. Help us keep doing that.
Aww, Roomies! The Game and Shaniece Hairston’s son Blaze Taylor is growing up so fast. He just turned one and of course his parents well all out to celebrate his milestone. Let’s get into the details!
The Game & Shaniece Hairston Go All Out For Blaze’s Big Day
The Shade Room caught clips from Blaze Taylor’s first birthday bash on Instagram, and from the looks of it, it was lit! The Game and Shaniece Hairston led the “Happy Birthday” song for their lil’ man while folks in the background chimed in. Blaze stole the show looking too cute in a Kith top and shorts, Game kept it chill, sporting a dark tracksuit, and Shaniece popped out serving a look in a pink dress. The whole party was decked out in blue and was giving galaxy vibes as the decor included rockets and stars. Even his tiered cake seemed to mimic the look of planet as it had rings around it.
More Details About Blaze Taylor
Blaze’s exact birthday is under wraps, but Game and Shaniece have kept fans locked in with sweet pics and videos of him on social media. Back in April, Game went viral after dropping some selfie flicks with Blaze. Fans ate it up and couldn’t stop gushing over Blaze’s big, beautiful eyes. The pics see Game and Blaze posted up for some mirror selfies, while lil’ Blaze rocks a light blue onesie.
Shaniece Gives Glimpse Into Sweet Mommy Moments With Baby Blaze
Shaniece has also been sharing her own cute mommy moments. In January, she had folks catching baby fever after she posted the sweetest clip of her holding Blaze while he giggled away. Most recently, she gave her Instagram followers a look inside her and Blaze’s day out with his grandma Evelyn Lozada. The Trio seemed to be having a time together as they cruised near the beach on a mini vehicle. Shaniece announced her pregnancy in June 2024 on her birthday — which also fell on Father’s Day. She shared a stunning shot of herself posing in her birthday suit while cradling her growing baby bump.
NLE Choppa has the internet buzzing once again, as fans question whether the Memphis rapper may have quietly welcomed a third child. The speculation comes on the heels of the mother of his son and the mother of his elder daughter, Marissa Da’Nae and Mariah, publicly calling him out.
Marissa Da’Nae & Mariah Call Out NLE Choppa For Reportedly Falling Short As A Father
Marissa Da’Nae and Mariah have been fed up with NLE Choppa’s parenting. The two recently took to the internet on September 14th of this year, voicing frustrations after Marissa shared accusations on X. She claimed the rapper was reportedly attempting to take her to court over custody issues surrounding their 2-year-old son, Chozen.
Marissa didn’t hold back when airing her frustrations online. She tweeted, “I can’t believe this b*** is taking me to court about a child he doesn’t even call lmao I get so angry just thinking bout this sh**. B**** can’t even tell a mf when’s the last time Chozen been to the doctor or even been to a doctor’s appointment till I tell you what. Chozen’s birthday was a month ago. This b**** has only called once.”*
In a series of follow-up tweets, she went on to write, “This b*** can’t even fill up all 20 Instagram slides of different occasions when he saw Chozen… N*** don’t even know what Chozen did last week. You ever met a n**** that get mad because his bms got cool without him? He was lying to both of us trying to make it seem like both of us was crazy and delusional. Real deal got mad cause we is cool.”
She later also claimed on X that NLE Choppa had their son fasting at just one year old, insisting a child didn’t need to eat three times a day and that their son often came home to her starving. Not long after, Mariah, the mother of his 5-year-old daughter Clover, entered the conversation, backing Marissa’s claims and alleging that the rapper also starved their daughter.
The two kept their foot on his neck, continuing to throw shade. In response to some comments on social media, Mariah took to her X account and wrote, “Only if y’all knew a piece of the s** that goes on behind those fake a** photoshoots he do with our kids. Lmao. F*** outta here.”*
NLE Choppa Shares New Pictures Featuring Icon Chrome Potts
While ignoring the noise, NLE Choppa, whose real name is Bryson Potts, popped out with his own photoshoot holding a baby boy. He captioned the post “God is the greatest,” and later commented “Icon Chrome Potts” with a baby and heart emoji. The photos instantly fueled speculation, with fans flooding his comments to question whether the child was his or if he was simply posing for the shoot.
At this time, NLE hasn’t shared who the child is or his relation to the young boy.
Social Media Reacts
Many folks gathered under The Shade Room Teens’ post with even more questions. While plenty of commenters brought up the accusations from Marissa and Mariah while others referenced social media rumors.
Instagram user wrote @iiam._michellee wrote, “Other two baby mamas holding him accountable he go have another baby just sad.”
Instagram user wrote @bxllabrili added, “Maybe that’s his brother? Hopefully??”
While Instagram user @6lue.6lasian wrote,”Childddd, what yall want from the store?”
Instagram user @nayyybabbyy wrote. “I hope he let the baby have formula or breast milk instead of beet juice”
Instagram user wrote 2dabiggest_ofemall2.0 added, “That poor baby don’t even know he about to get put on a diet”
While Instagram user wrote @amanidabratt wrote, “is that the stylist’s child? does anybody know her @“
Instagram user wrote @kayyoncloudd.999, “he ain’t tell me shit 💔 😒 “
Instagram user @stunna.kazy added, “it’s nun of y’all’s business who and where he got kids with..the heavens”
While Instagram user @a.kieraaaaaa added, “Ik damn well they ain’t name this baby after google”
Claressa Shields Teases New Song And Music Video OTW
Earlier this week, Shields took to Instagram Live to sit down for some chat time with her followers. During her stream, Shields revealed that she’s hopping back into her pastime bag of making music. Specifically, Shields explained that she just finished shooting a music video. Additionally, she explained that she’ll be releasing the song for the footage as soon as “this weekend.”
“For y’all who don’t know, my rap name is Ressa Da Goat… and the song is gonna be called ‘Poke Da Gwoat,’” she explained to viewers.
Social media users slid into TSR’s comment section with reactions to Claressa Shields teasing her new song & music video.
Instagram user @loquacious_taupez wrote, “Please stop 🛑. Stay in your lane. Doing far too much and this feel fake asf.”
While Instagram user @duchess_wu added, “She is so strange, like very obsessed with Remy .”
Instagram user @tyronebee wrote, “Girl just box”
While Instagram user @neeshnickk__ added, “I have yet to see her being posted for boxing and boxing only”
Instagram user @dollfacebreeeeee wrote, “Everything remy say & do, she wanna do too 🙄”
While Instagram user @xdejamonaeee added, “I never screamed so loud 😭😭😭 girl what? Lmaoooo”
Instagram user @datgirldolly wrote, “Keep it!…..keep it….we didn’t ask for it….keep it”
While Instagram user @_serenity_klf added, “And im sure Papoose wrote every line”
Instagram user @stephg wrote, “Lmaoooo I like her cuz she doesn’t care she gon do shyt whether ya like it or not 😭😭😭”
While Instagram user @kamilekharles added, “What has she done to copy Remy? I really haven’t seen it.”
Instagram user @homiesexual wrote, “So Papoose gon write her raps to diss Remy.”
Before Claressa Shields Teased New Song And Music Video OTW, She Celebrated THIS Milestone
Before Claressa Shields a.k.a. Ressa Da Gwoat teased her new song and music video, she was celebrating a sentimental milestone. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this week, Shields and Papoose took to social media to celebrate their 1-year anniversary. Ultimately, they both shared sweet posts that left social media users chiming in.
Next week, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will be sentenced for two prostitution-related convictions. On Thursday (September 25), his lawyers made their last bid to get Judge Arun Subramanian to toss out the convictions. In response, the judge said he’ll rule “very shortly.” However, late Friday afternoon, there was still no word. While we wait for Subramanian’s final ruling, here’s what to know about Combs’ upcoming sentencing and his defense’s uphill battle to get him free!
For context, Diddy is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 3 in Manhattan. He’s convicted of arranging interstate travel for people engaged in prostitution. The jury previously acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. Those dropped charges saved him from the potential penalty of life in prison.
During the oral arguments on Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said the prosecution against Combs showed the necessity of fighting prostitution because of the violence, drugs, and sexually transmitted diseases that often accompany it.
Prosecutors said Combs paid for and arranged hundreds of drug-fueled sexual marathon performances between male sex workers and his girlfriends. As previously reported, two women–Cassie and Jane Doe–testified about being beaten and kicked by Combs.
However, Shapiro argued that Sean Combs cannot be held responsible for financing and helping to arrange the transportation domestically and internationally for 15 years. On the other hand, Slavik said the jury verdict should stand because the charges were brought correctly.
Days before Thursday’s hearing, Diddy’s defense claimed he’s suffered enough, including a threat to his life and intense surveillance. They claimed he hasn’t had fresh air and sun on his skin in almost 13 months, and that he has a limp due to a needed knee surgery. Additionally, his defense said he is sometimes given food with maggots. Overall, the defense portrayed Sean Combs as a changed and “humbled” man, who is sober for the first time in 25 years.
How Does The Judge Plan To Rule?
Judge Subramanian listened to nearly 90 minutes of lawyers’ arguments about whether prosecutors properly brought charges against Diddy. Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro urged the judge to toss out two violations of the Mann Act that resulted in convictions. Shapiro said the “infamous law” had “racist and sexist origins” that are “well documented and beyond dispute.”
“The whole history of the statute is really, I would submit, an embarrassment to the United States of America,” Alexandra Shapiro said.
Before the trial, Judge Arun Subramanian declined to throw out Diddy’s charges. According to the Associated Press, Subramanian sometimes sounded skeptical as Shapiro pressed her arguments that Diddy was improperly convicted.
Late Thursday, the judge seemed focused on the sentencing going forward. At one point, he explained why he forced Sean Combs to wear his prison uniform to the latest hearing. Additionally, he said defense lawyers had failed to explain why Combs would need civilian clothing in court when no jury was present. The judge also said there was no legal precedent that would allow that.
“The Court will entertain an application relating to the sentencing proceeding, but it needs to provide some explanation along these lines,” the judge wrote.
Combs will have been jailed for nearly 13 months by the time sentencing arrives. In court papers submitted this week, his lawyers argued that he should be sentenced to no more than 14 months in prison. With credit for good behavior, that would mean he would be released immediately.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have said he should spend several more years behind bars. However, they won’t submit their sentencing recommendations to the judge until next week. Judge Subramanian has suggested that he, too, is leaning toward a substantial amount of prison time. He twice refused to grant bail since July, citing Combs’ history of violence. Subramanian has denied bail for the Bad Boy Records founder twice since his conviction in July.
How Was Diddy Acting In Court?
As he entered the courtroom, a smiling Diddy waved to his supporters and touched his heart before taking his seat among several lawyers. He did not speak during the hearing except to greet the judge. At the end of the hearing, Combs blew kisses to his family, which included his mom, three daughters and three sons.
“Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much,” he said. “Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home.” He also told them: “I’ve got some big plans for us.”
In a presentence submission this week, defense lawyers said Sean Combs’ family has suffered since his arrest, including financially from the loss of business possibilities.
Schools that train hairstylists, dental assistants and health aides will be able to keep getting federal student loan dollars even if the professionals they turn out don’t end up earning any more than a high school graduate.
That’s because programs like those, which don’t end in a college degree, were granted an exemption from new accountability measures under President Donald Trump’s ”big, beautiful bill.”
A Hechinger Report analysis of federal data found at least 1,280 such certificate programs could have been at risk of their students losing access to federal student loans — but a successful lobbying effort excluded them from the accountability measures.
Related: Become a lifelong learner. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter featuring the most important stories in education.
Under the new law, most graduates of associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs must earn at least as much as someone who has only a high school diploma. If programs fail to hit that benchmark for two out of three years, their students will no longer be eligible for federal student loans. (And the schools must warn students of this possibility if they miss the mark for just one year). Without that borrowing power, many students could not afford to attend. And without those students, some of the schools might not survive.
Using the table below, see which certificate programs might have been flagged under the Trump law if not for the exemption. If graduates of a particular program ended up earning less than adults with only a high school diploma, that program could have faced losing eligibility for federal student loans under the Trump law.
Methodology
What exactly does the “big, beautiful bill” call for?
The legislation requires the Department of Education to compare earnings of working adults who have only a high school diploma to the earnings of adults four years after they complete a degree program or graduate certificate. If a postsecondary program’s graduates fail to outearn adults with only high school degrees for two out of three years, students can no longer obtain federal student loans to attend that program.
The law also sets up an appeals process and a way for programs to apply to regain eligibility for federal student loans.
What data was analyzed?
The law directs the education secretary to use census data to calculate median earnings for working adults with only a high school degree in the state where a program is located. The Department of Education will release regulations that spell out exactly how to do that math. For example, the law does not spell out whether it will look at census data averaged out over 12 months or a longer period of time.
For earnings data for high school graduates, The Hechinger Report relied on calculations from the Department of Education, which were derived from the 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample from the U.S. Census Bureau.
To calculate median earnings for graduates, the law directs the Education Department to put together earnings data for a cohort of at least 30 graduates who received federal student aid for postsecondary education — which typically includes grants, loans or work-study. Graduates are excluded if they’re currently enrolled in another higher education program. If there are fewer than 30 students in a cohort, the Education Department can lump together several years of data to get to 30 students.
To get earnings data for graduates of certificate programs, Hechinger used a federal database known as College Scorecard. We downloaded field of study data for the 2022-23 school year. From this data, The Hechinger Report extracted information about certificate programs, at their main campuses, and included only programs that had median earnings data. The federal database suppresses earnings data for small programs. That left 4,431 currently operating certificate programs.
How was a program determined to be at possible risk of failing the accountability measure?
For each program, The Hechinger Report compared median graduate earnings to the high school graduate earnings data of the state where the program was located. If the graduates earned less, the program was considered to be at risk.
Under the law, postsecondary programs that don’t meet the earnings benchmark for one year have to inform all current students that they are at risk of losing their eligibility for federal student loans.
Are there any limitations to the data?
The “big, beautiful bill” takes online programs into account by considering whether students live in the same state where their academic program is based. Under the law, student earnings are compared with national data rather than state data when fewer than half of enrolled students live in the state where the school is located, which may be the case for online programs.
The Hechinger Report’s analysis instead compares every program with state earnings. That’s because the College Scorecard field of study data set is limited and only includes information about graduates employed within the same state as the institution, not whether enrolled students live in the same state as the program. In addition, College Scorecard data provides earnings data for all graduates without a breakdown for whether they receive federal aid.
Also, the Hechinger database looks at the available median earnings of all students four years after graduation for the school year 2022-23, regardless of the number of graduates. Though College Scorecard suppresses data on smaller programs, median earnings data is available for programs with 16 or more working graduates. The “big, beautiful bill” directs the Department of Education to instead lump together years of data to create cohorts of at least 30 students.
The Hechinger Report provides in-depth, fact-based, unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers. But that doesn’t mean it’s free to produce. Our work keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues at schools and on campuses throughout the country. We tell the whole story, even when the details are inconvenient. Help us keep doing that.
Woody McClain Pens Sentimental Message While Sharing Glimpse of His Infant Twin Daughters Emily & Amaya
Back on July 14, McClain took to his Instagram to seemingly share footage of himself in a hospital, heading in to watch his boo, Charli B, give birth to their twin daughters.
On August 9, McClain took to his Instagram to share a carousel and message, seemingly confirming that he and his boo welcomed their twins into the world.
“I can’t lie. I thought I was going to be laid out on the floor. I feel beyond blessed that all my girls made it out safely. This experience is something I can’t quite put into words. I’m truly thankful for the blessings God has given me. @emilyandamaya 💕,” he wrote at the time.
Since then, the pair have taken to their twins’ official Instagram account, sharing a glimpse of their new journey in parenthood. Furthermore, a post shared on September 8 appears to show McClain carrying his daughters out of a facility, while a post shared earlier this week shows the girls undergoing their “first manicure.”
Then, earlier this week, McClain returned with another sentimental post, reflecting on his new chapter of fatherhood. Additionally, McClain shared a photo with his message, droppin’ a peek at his newborn twin daughters.
“Been praying for patience and to live in the moment. God answered with two beautiful baby girls. Forever grateful. 💕,” he wrote.
Social Media Reacts To The Sentimental Message & Infant Twin Daughters
Social media users entered TSR’s comment section, gushing over Woody McClain’s twin daughters and sharing well-wishes for his new journey.
Instagram user @nick_iamofficial wrote, “Congratulations ❤️”
While Instagram user @lighteyes74_82 added, “Welcome to the twin club ….wonderful experience ❤️❤️”
Instagram user @pillowtalkinabt_mi wrote, “Wowwwww I used to love himmmmmm but now I don’t lol congrats!!! 💕”
While Instagram user @boogiedowndoll added, “Just like that my crush has expired 😂”
Instagram user @taimarieb wrote, “God bless him and the babies ❤️”
While Instagram user @official_1_of_1 added, “The best feeling in the world congrats”
Instagram user @creatorscustomize wrote, “Amen!!! Soooo happy for Cane 🥹🥰”
While Instagram user @njb35 added, “Watching black men be fathers😭😭😭😭”
Instagram user @beautifulone.mellow wrote, “Be careful what you pray for and how you pray for it. God is about to give you patience. Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉🍾 love the picture. Parenting is rewarding and challenging. Adorable.”
While Instagram user @lovenfebruary added, “So u weren’t April fools’ing us after all, huh? 🤣🫶🏽💕😍”
More On Woody McClain’s Journey To Welcoming His Twin Daughters Emily & Amaya
As The Shade Room previously reported, on April 1, Woody McClain took to Instagram to share a photo of two positive pregnancy tests. However, because of the date, many social media users felt McClain might have been trolling, playing an April Fool’s joke, per The Shade Room. Later that month, however, McClain returned with another post seemingly showing off his and Charli’s gender reveal, confirming that they not only had a baby on board, but that they were expecting twins!
Then, in July, McClain returned to social media to share photos — and all the details — from his and his boo’s baby shower.
Congratulations are in order as Rihanna has announced the arrival and name of her third child, Rocki Irish Mayers, whom she’s welcomed with A$AP Rocky.
Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Welcome Their Third Child & Baby Girl, Rocki Irish Mayers
On Wednesday, September 24, Rihanna took to her Instagram account to share a post with her more than 149 million followers. Furthermore, the post was a carousel that featured an initial photo of her holding her baby girl. In the photo, the baby appears wrapped in pink blankets and dressed in a matching onesie. Additionally, Rih appears uncovered from the chest and only accessorized with a pink-faced Rolex and a gold ring.
Furthermore, a second photo in the slide shows pink boxing gloves fit for the infant.
“Rocki Irish Mayers Sept 13 2025,” Rihanna captioned the photo, revealing the date of her recent labor.
Social Media Shares Congratulations
Social media users rushed TSR’s comment section with congratulations and well-wishes for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.
Instagram user @missolufunto wrote, “OMG!!! I KNEW IT! she finally got her mini me. we needed that girl rih! so happy for her 😍💗💕”
While Instagram user @dianxia.xo added, “Named after her daddy 😍😍. So beautiful 💕”
Instagram user @_lastqueennnn wrote, “Awww Rocki the lil Virgo 🎀”
While Instagram user @immajustsitpretty added, “I love how the whole family has a R as the first letter of their names”
Instagram user @shesthatforeign wrote, “Rihanna and ASAP makes beautiful kids 😍😍”
While Instagram user @_ogdime added, “I knewwww it !!! She had to get a girl after 2 boys”
Instagram user @givannni wrote, “Rocki, Rza and Riot goes crazy 🔥❤️”
While Instagram user @shesthatforeign added, “Rihanna finally got her Baby Girl 🥺🥹🥹”
Instagram user @daisymayze wrote, “Rocki is ssuuucchhh a cute name for her 🥹”
While Instagram user @slaughter_house_eatz_ added, “I love how Riri don’t hide her children she posting first day don’t give af❤️”
Before Welcoming Her Baby Girl, Rocki Irish Mayer, Rihanna Spoke On Her Dad’s Passing
Before welcoming her baby girl, Rihanna was dealing with the passing of her father. As The Shade Room previously reported, in May, it was revealed that Ronald Fenty had passed away at the age of 70. Then, in July, photos surfaced of Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their boys attending Ronald’s funeral in Barbados, per The Shade Room.
Later that month, while appearing at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Smurfs,’ Rih addressed her dad’s passing in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Furthermore, she explained that she had always hoped to see what her dad would have been like as a grandfather.
Claressa Shields & Papoose Celebrate Their 1-Year Anniversary With Sweet Social Media Posts
On Tuesday, September 23, Claressa Shields took to her Instagram to share a special post with her more than 1.6 million followers and, more importantly, with her man.
“Happy 1 year anniversary @papoose! 365 days of love with my favorite person 😊. You’ve been my rock, guiding me through the ups and downs. Thanks for being my partner in crime, for the laughter, advice, and endless love. You’re one of a kind! 😚😮💨🥹 Cheers to many more! #Claressashields #Gwoat #papoose #papooseandclaressa,” she wrote.
Furthermore, her post featured 17 slides — most of which showed her and Papoose embracing, smiling, laughing, and planting kisses on one another.
Peep her post below.
Furthermore, a few hours later, Papoose took to his Instagram account to share his own post celebrating his 1-year milestone with Shields. Additionally, his post featured a video and photo of him and his boo attending the recent ‘VMA’ award show.
“They say time flies when you’re having fun. Can’t believe it’s been 1 full year already. Happy 1 year anniversary to my 💎 @claressashields #countinggreenchallenge,” he captioned the post.
Instagram user @vada_fly wrote, “This gotta be Claressa 1st boyfriend ever. 😂”
While Instagram user @jay_montana_ added, “He better not hurt her because the crash out will not be normal”
Instagram user @c_the_blondebombshell wrote, “I just want her to be happy in silence. Because adding us to the group chat every time he pours her a bowl of cereal is too much.”
While Instagram user @therealimanilee added, “i would of thought 4 years the way she speak about him 😂😂”
Instagram user @__tnd wrote, “Never thought I would see the day of him and remy ending 😭😩 happy anniversary to them tho 💕”
While Instagram user @lulu_la_veganbod added, “Anniversary with somebody’s husband is wild 😂”
Instagram user @kryssedeal wrote, “Ladies….. this is your sign to not let your boyfriends wife get in the way of your happiness 😂😂😂😂😂”
Instagram user @hunnidstaxxfatt2x wrote, “Aint never seen this man with his hat off as much as he does now🤣🤣🤣”
While Instagram user @obakabiyesi added, “Clarissa gave this man a new lease on life”
Instagram user @_therealsheenab wrote, “She was like why u ain post nuthn yet??!!!👊🏽😂”
While Instagram user @kiss_my_smooch added, “Yessss the smiles says yall are both happy 😍”
Instagram user @rentmyhands wrote, “❤️❤️❤️HE GENUINELY SEEMS HAPPY. I been following @papoose since forever. I have never seen him smile this much. I have never seen him being so celebrated and loved either🖤🖤🖤 @papoose and Big Ressa❤️❤️❤️🔥 Happy 1 yr Diwn🔥”
Before Celebrating Her Anniversary With Papoose, Claressa Shields Linked Up With His Eldest Daughter
Before celebrating her 1-year anniversary with Papoose, Claressa Shields turned heads alongside his eldest daughter, Dejanae Mackie. As The Shade Room previously reported, Shields linked up with Mackie to show off their new ‘Counting Green’ dance challenge. The title originates from Papoose’s recent song collaboration with Busta Rhymes.
