• News

by Kandiss Edwards

September 5, 2025

95-Year-Old Granddad Robbed Of Over $260K, The Alleged Culprit Will Shock You

Erica Hopper is now facing felony charges after being accused of stealing from her grandfather to fund her lifestyle.

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A Washington, D.C., woman is now facing felony charges after being accused of stealing from her grandfather. 

Allegedly, Erica Hopper stole more than $266,000 from her 95-year-old grandfather. Prosecutors say the 45-year-old exploited her position as the near centenarian’s Power of Attorney to fund her lifestyle.

Hopper reportedly received legal control of her grandfather’s funds when he was about 90-years old, December 2020. The scheming granddaughter immediately began accessing the funds, for personal use, without permission late 2021. An investigation was launched into Hopper’s activities when a family member filed a report with Montgomery County police.

For nearly four years, Hopper has been accused of spending her grandfather’s funds on maintenance and upkeep of her personal life. Charges include more than $25,000 in car payments, over $49,000 on credit card bills tied to cosmetic surgeries, designer goods, and concert tickets. Additionally, Hopper spent over $35,000 on rent for a luxury apartment in Washington.

On Aug. 27, she was arrested and booked. Hopper’s charges include theft over $100,000, a theft scheme exceeding $100,000, embezzlement, fraudulent identity theft in the $25,000–$100,000 range, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. After processing at the county’s central unit, Hopper was released on an unsecured personal bond.

Unfortunately, the elder abuse precipitated by Hopper is not isolated. A 2024 study done by the Federal Reserve shows that elder financial abuse often goes undetected and can result in losses exceeding $3 billion annually nationwide. Maryland and D.C. authorities have responded by bolstering protections—requiring banks to flag suspicious large withdrawals by caretakers and offering family members expedited access to account reviews when abuse is suspected.

Legal experts note that misuse of a Power of Attorney, while legally enabling assistance for aging loved ones, can also be abused to detrimental effects. Sentences, if convicted, could include decades behind bars and restitution to compensate for the stolen funds.

Advocacy groups urge families to routinely audit account statements, establish oversight protocols, and consult elder law attorneys when reviewing POA arrangements.

She is scheduled to appear in Montgomery County District Court for a trial on Oct. 14. The case remains under active investigation.

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Apologizes To Chicago Sky Teammates After Chastising Team’s Efforts This Season

'I really didn't mean to put down my teammates because they've been through this with me throughout the whole year.'

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The frustrations Angel Reese has with her Chicago Sky team have hit a boiling point, with the second-year player threatening to leave the franchise if they don’t “get great players” on the team during the upcoming offseason. She has since apologized to her teammates for the comments.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Reese, who has had a good year statistically (despite being sidelined several games due to injuries), but the team has had a bad year with a 9-30 record, and she is beyond frustrated. With only four games left in the season and missing the playoffs for a second straight year, Reese is demanding that the Sky go out and get better players for the team.

“I’m not settling for the same s**t we did this year,” Reese told the media outlet. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason. So it’s going to be very, very important this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best because we can’t settle for what we have this year.”

Reese feels that the team doesn’t play as hard as they could, and although she ranted to the media outlet, she has since apologized to her teammates after the article was released, according to CBS Sports. She specifically mentioned several players like Courtney Vandersloot, Rachel Banham, and Hailey Van Lith, while empathetically stating that she and Kamilla Cardoso are the only guaranteed players to return to Chicago next year. She told CBS Sports that her remarks were taken out of context.

After the team lost its most recent game against the Connecticut Sun, Reese apologized to her teammates about the comments, and she also tried to explain what she really meant when she made her statements.

“I probably am frustrated with myself right now. I think the language is taken out of context, and I really didn’t mean to put down my teammates because they’ve been through this with me throughout the whole year. They’ve busted their ass just like I busted my ass; they showed up for me through thick and thin, and in the locker room when nobody could see anything.

“So I would apologize to my teammates, which I already have, about the article and how it was misconstrued about what was said.”

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh stated that the organization would handle the matter “in-house.”

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• News

by Mitti Hicks

September 5, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard Repatriates Nearly 200 Undocumented Haitian Immigrants

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2025 on Oct. 1, the DHS says U.S. Coast Guard crews repatriated over 600 undocumented Haitians compared to 857 aliens to Haiti in FY24.

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The Department of Homeland Security says the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer repatriated nearly 200 undocumented Haitian immigrants after intercepting a dangerously overloaded vessel about 40 miles north of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. The group of Haitians was attempting to escape a country that has been plagued by violence and instability.

According to the DHS, Spencer’s crew notified the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District about an overloaded vessel that was disabled in international waters. Once aboard the Coast Guard cutter, the Haitians were processed to determine their identities and provided with food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before being transported back to Haiti days later.

“The Coast Guard is committed to our mission to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders and preventing illegal entry into the United States and its territories,” Lt. Cmdr. Cory Arsenault, Coast Guard liaison officer to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, said in a statement. “Anyone attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea will be interdicted and repatriated, consistent with U.S. law and policy.” 

Haitian Immigrants Looking To Flee Escalating Violence

According to the Human Rights Watch, the crisis in Haiti has reached catastrophic levels as criminal groups united under the “Viv Ansanm” coalition intensify large-scale and coordinated attacks in the country. These incidents have severely impacted public services, including electricity, water supply, sanitation, health care, education, and more.

Data from the World Food Program shows that Haiti has one of the highest proportions of acutely food-insecure people in any crisis worldwide. In a report covering August 2024 to February 2025, more than five million people require humanitarian assistance. In addition, more than five million people are facing acute food insecurity, including two million experiencing emergency levels. According to the United Nations, nearly 1.7 million people in Haiti are displaced and require humanitarian aid.

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2025 on Oct. 1, the DHS says U.S. Coast Guard crews repatriated over 600 undocumented Haitians, compared to 857 aliens to Haiti in FY24. However, U.S. officials warn that these numbers could significantly increase as Haiti’s crisis worsens.

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• News

by Kandiss Edwards

September 5, 2025

6 Louisiana Residents Arrested For Certifying Fake CDL Licenses

Louisiana authorities charged six individuals involved in a commercial driver’s license (CDL) bribery conspiracy in Louisiana.

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On Aug. 28, Louisiana authorities issued an indictment charging six individuals involved in an alleged commercial driver’s license (CDL) bribery conspiracy in Louisiana, according to an affidavit. 

At the center of the scheme was restaurant owner Mahmoud Alhattab. Alhattab is accused of accepting payments from CDL applicants in exchange for helping them circumvent three CDL licensure requirements. Applicants bypassed the written knowledge test, the federally mandated entry-level driver training, and the road skills examination. 

The bribery scheme concentrated on two Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) staffers from Donaldsonville, Jenay Davis and Shakira Millien. Davis and Millien are accused of taking CDL knowledge tests on behalf of applicants. The pair reportedly searched the internet for test answers during the exam. 

To sidestep the training portion, Alhattab allegedly enlisted the services of two truck driver training business operators, Christopher Bryan Burns and Jonathan Parsons. Parsons and Burns falsely documented that individuals had completed the required classes, though they had not. 

Additionally, Burns and Parsons, both certified examiners, submitted fraudulent passing results for the skills test. On some occasions, Parsons is said to have enlisted Marline Roberts, another skills tester, to fabricate score sheets supporting the false results. 

All six are now facing federal charges. Charges include conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Charges vary for each individual. Some are facing multiple counts for wire fraud and bribery tied to federally funded programs. 

“All six defendants are jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Alhattab and Parsons are each charged with two counts of honest services wire fraud. Burns, Davis, and Roberts are each charged with one count of wire fraud involving honest services. Alhattab, Millien, and Parsons are each charged with four counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Burns, Davis, and Roberts are each charged with one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds,” the statement read.

The wire fraud violations carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while the bribery counts each carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years behind bars. Fines may reach $250,000 per count, and additional penalties include supervised release and special assessment fees. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reminded the public that “the indictment is merely a charge, and that each defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

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• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 5, 2025

Shaq Gifts Star Freshman Athlete At University Of Pittsburgh A Spanking, New SUV

One standout student-athlete is entering college with a new car, courtesy of Shaquille O’Neal.

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A standout student-athlete starting her first year at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown will be arriving on campus in a brand-new SUV, gifted by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

Tamara “Firefly” Humphries, 18, has made a name for herself as a standout wrestler in the Pittsburgh area. Her hard work earned her a full-ride scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, but she didn’t have a car to get there.

After gaining a large social media following for her wrestling skills, Humphries received an unexpected Instagram DM from a fan well-versed in turning athletic talent into success.

”He DM’ed me on Instagram. It was a casual DM, and I was like, ‘Uh, is this real?’” Humphries told CBS News of the DM she received from O’Neal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tamara Humphries (@firefly.tee)

The four-time NBA champion reached out to offer Humphries support in any way she needed. When he learned she didn’t have a car, O’Neal quickly took action, securing her parents’ approval first.

”He FaceTimed my parents,” Humphries said. 

“She said, ‘Shaq’s going to call you. I gave him your number.’ I was like, ‘What?’” her father, DeAndre Humphries, recalled.

Along with the new car, O’Neal gifted Humphries with some words of wisdom to take with her to college.

“You keep body slamming people, you keep listening, and you keep your grades up. I love you and no boys. Stay away from them boys,” O’Neal said.

Humphries says receiving a new car along with guidance from a sports legend is a truly priceless gift.

“Unreal. That’s how it was. That’s amazing. Those are the only words I can use for it,” she shared.

Now, she’s headed to college, ready to make her mark in collegiate wrestling and set her sights on competing in the Olympics.

“I’m going to keep the journey going, live for everybody, and we’re all going to do this together and get some Olympic titles,” Humphries said.

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• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 5, 2025

Terrence Murphy Built A Billion-Dollar Business Empire After Short NFL Stint

Terrence Murphy turned his entrepreneurial drive into a billion-dollar business portfolio after a brief NFL career.

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Terrence Murphy leveraged his talent for serial entrepreneurship to achieve over $5 billion in sales after a brief NFL career.

Murphy, an East Texas native, was selected in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, signing a five-year, $3.4 million deal after a standout career as a wide receiver at Texas A&M. An injury cut his NFL career short, but he quickly turned his earnings into his first business venture in the real estate market.

”I started my first venture, TM5, and scaled it to $1.5B in sales in less than 8 years,” Murphy told Atlético Dallas. “That startup company had offers to be acquired, which introduced me to M&A and venture capital investing.”

With a growing real estate portfolio at the time, and alongside his wife Erica, a University of Texas at Austin graduate and licensed real estate agent, Murphy dove into the sector. Together, they developed student housing, multifamily, and luxury residential projects in communities like Traditions and Greens Prairie Reserve, eventually launching TM5 Properties, which has achieved $1.5 billion in sales.

Murphy’s TM5 Equity Partners manages nearly 1,000 rental units, while he has individually sold over 70 properties, each valued at more than $1 million. Through Terrence Murphy Companies, he holds stakes in real estate, construction, sports, and venture capital.

Now, Murphy’s newest venture is an ownership stake in Atlético Dallas, the soccer team announced in 2024 and set to debut in the United Soccer League Championship in 2027. It marks a full-circle moment for the Texas native, combining his lifelong passions for sports and entrepreneurship.

“I have recently surpassed these milestones in my career: $5B in sales and acquisitions, and I’ve built, acquired, or invested in 110 companies under the Terrence Murphy Companies portfolio,” Murphy shared. “But the ones I’m most proud of are the ones that I played a role in building. That’s how I see Atlético Dallas. It’s a chance to create something from the ground up. To build something special. What helped me transition from sports into business was a never-ending desire to evolve. That’s why I’m excited to be part of Atlético Dallas.“

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• News

by Kandiss Edwards

September 4, 2025

Barnard College Allegedly Fires Pregnant Employee To Avoid Maternity Leave Pay

Shakira Zahiruddin is working with the Transport Workers Union after being laid off by Barnard College.

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Shakira Zahiruddin is accusing Barnard College, an all-women’s institution, of firing her to avoid compensation for maternity leave.  

The eight-months-pregnant custodian alleges the college violates seniority protocols and female rights. Zahiruddin believes the institution intentionally canceled her employment to avoid compensating her during maternity leave, the New York Post reported.

Zahiruddin, a mother of two, said she was let go via email on Aug. 26. During her press conference at the TWU Local 264 Union office in Brooklyn, she spoke about her disappointment in the decision of the women’s college.

“You wouldn’t really expect that due to what they stand for,” she said. “I honestly don’t know what I am going to do.”

According to the ex-employee, losing her income at such a critical time presents immediate hardship. Zahiruddin is now faced with questions about how to support her two children as well as her soon-to-be newborn.

“I feel left alone, and I am extremely worried for my kids moving forward,” she said during the press conference. “How could an all-women’s college just not care?” she added, calling the move “unjust and inhumane.”

Under her union’s collective bargaining agreement, layoffs must adhere strictly to seniority, the union says. Yet, a male custodian hired nearly four months after Zahiruddin, was kept on the janitorial staff. Retaining an employee with less time worked prompted Zahirudden and the Union to believe the decision was neither fair nor legitimate. The grievance declares the action “a deliberate attempt to erase a senior worker’s rights.”

TWU Local 264 President Joseph Rose condemned the college’s actions. 

“They are just looking at the monetary aspect,” he said. 

The union is demanding Zahiruddin’s reinstatement, full benefits, back pay, and a guarantee of her maternity leave.

Barnard maintains the layoff was not due to Zahirruddin’s health condition. Instead, the institution contends there is college-wide restructuring affecting 77 full-time positions. A Barnard spokesperson said the changes were driven by operational needs and complied with union procedures. The school confirmed that affected union members were informed of opportunities to reapply for open positions. Yet they do not explain how Zahiruddin’s seniority was overlooked.

Yet for the expectant mom, the timing remains devastating. The salary she relied on for income and health benefits expired six days after her release. The timeline lands just ahead of her expected delivery date. Now, without a job or coverage, she’s left to worry how she’ll support her family and manage the high costs of motherhood alone.

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• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 4, 2025

’Black History Matters’ Mural Repainted In St. Petersburg Before Being Removed Yet Again

The mural was repainted on the street less than 24 hours after its removal.

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A “Black History Matters” mural was restored on a St. Petersburg, Florida, street less than 24 hours after it was removed.

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, a passerby saw the large street mural repainted outside the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, WFLA reports. Its return came after crews removed all art from city streets over Labor Day weekend.

The mural was one of several taken down by the Florida Department of Transportation. During its removal, two pastors were arrested while kneeling in prayer on the artwork in protest, FOX 13 reports.

“I was hoping to pray all night, I even had a pillow,” Pastor Ben Atherton-Zeman of the Unitarian Universalist Church said. “Unfortunately, we were only allowed to pray for 10 minutes.”

Atherton-Zeman said it was worth going to jail in an attempt to protect the mural. However, the second “Black History Matters” mural lasted only a few hours before Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews arrived late at night to repaint the street black once again.

“We live in a state where books that teach accurate Black history are banned, where teachers who teach accurate Black history are punished,” Atheron-Zeman said. “And now they want to erase a ‘Black History Matters’ mural? This is not about safety, this is about erasure.”

Originally featuring vibrant colors and patterns, some murals had been temporarily redone with chalk by protesters. The restored “Black History Matters” mural appeared in white paint.

Volunteers and mural artists originally painted the “Black Lives Matter” mural on 9th Avenue South in 2020, unveiling it during a Juneteenth celebration. In 2023, it was repainted as “Black History Matters,” with each letter created by a different artist.

The mural removal follows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing a law in June that requires street art to be removed from all sidewalks, roadways, curbs, and crosswalks statewide, citing safety concerns. Many Florida officials have challenged the call, but the deadline for compliance is Thursday, Sept. 4.

DeSantis has warned that state funding could be withheld if the art isn’t removed. It remains unclear whether the “Black History Matters” mural will face removal again.

“The more he paints over our murals, the more they are going to be painted back,” Atherton-Zeman said. “Because we can’t be erased.”

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 4, 2025

1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Park Si-Hun Gives Precious Award To Roy Jones, Jr. ‘It Belongs To You’

Jones was cheated out of the gold medal when the judges awarded Si-Hun a 3-2 split decision victory when Jones clearly won the bout

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In one of the most controversial Olympic moments in history, American amateur boxer Roy Jones, Jr., after dominating his gold medal fight against his opponent, Park Si-Hun, in South Korea (Si-Hun’s country) lost a 3-2 split decision, and after 36 years, the called winner of the match handed Jones the gold medal that the sports world felt should have been given to the now-retired Jones in 1988.

Jones posted a video clip of the moment that the gold medal was finally rightfully placed in his hands, as Si-Hum’s son, who was with him at the time of the exchange, translated to an emotional Jones that he wanted him to have the prize he decisively won at the time. This took place in Pensacola, Florida, according to the social media post, a couple of years ago, but was recently posted.

“I had the gold medal, but I wanted to give it back to you,” Si-Hun says to Jones via his son. “It belongs to you. This gold medal is your problem now.”

As Jones accepted the precious medal, he got emotional.

Yahoo! Sports reported that, although Jones was the clear winner to anyone viewing the match at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, the judges shockingly declared Si-Hun the winner in a 3-2 split decision. The stats proved that it was a clearly one-sided fight as Jones landed almost three times the punches that Park connected on, by a margin of 86-32, through the three rounds the two boxers fought. 20-3 in Round 1, 30-15 in Round 2, and 36-14 in Round 3.

Following the fight, the three judges who declared Si-Hum the winner, Bob Kasule of Uganda, Uruguay’s Alberto Durán, and Hiouad Larbi of Morocco, were eventually suspended for six months, with two of them later banned for life. Larbi later admitted that Jones won the fight, but gave the victory to Hi-Sun to spare the home country embarrassment, as he expected the four other judges to award Jones the win.

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