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Pop’s tiniest menace turned full-blown cultural reset, Sabrina Carpenter, is celebrating one year of Short n’ Sweet. And in true Sabrina fashion, she did it with a caption that reads like your funniest friend’s drunk 2 AM text, equal parts unhinged, horny, and heartfelt.

A Year of Horny Confessions and Chart Domination

On August 23, the 26-year-old chaos fairy hopped on Instagram, pressed pause on her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend, and blessed us with a carousel of photos plus this gem:

“Pausing from MBF to say happy one year of Short n’ Sweet. One year of kiss marks, camaraderie, and being so fucking h**ny.”

This is why we trust her with the aux. Sabrina doesn’t just drop pop records, she leaves lipstick-stained destruction in her wake.

The Pop Girl Thank-You Speech You Actually Want to Hear

Instead of the usual robotic “thanks to my fans” script, Sabrina got all mushy in the messiest way. She praised her stans for still streaming daily, screamed-out lungs at her shows, and loving every lyric as if it were scripture.

“Thank you for coming to the shows and singing till your lungs give out,” she wrote. “Thank you for loving these songs and every damn lyric as much as I do.”

Like, she knows she’s not just writing songs anymore, she’s writing the next great Tumblr-era breakup quotes for a generation that doesn’t even use Tumblr.

Short n’ Sweet: A Year Later, Still the Moment

Released on August 23, 2024, Short n’ Sweet was Sabrina’s sixth studio album and her official coronation. Twelve tracks of pop slut anthems, expanded to seventeen on the deluxe, the project turned dating disasters into weaponized bops. Please Please Please became a Grammy-winning monster hit, and Feather made her the patron saint of petty ex-girlfriends everywhere.

It was flirty, camp, horny, and most importantly short. Just like Sabrina herself.

SNS for Life

Closing her post, Sabrina declared, “SNS for life,” and honestly? Same. It wasn’t just an album era, it was a personality trait.

Now, as she sharpens her stilettos for Man’s Best Friend, the world knows one thing: Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just giving us pop music, she’s giving us culture. Horny, chaotic, lipstick-smeared culture.

And we’ll eat it up every damn time.

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President Donald Trump said he has his sights on Chicago as up next for a takeover, as his administration escalates tensions with cities run by Black Democratic mayors over crime allegations.

While applauding the National Guard, which he deployed in D.C. amid a “crime emergency,” the president declared on Aug. 11, Trump praised the troops for an “incredible job working with the police.”

“We haven’t had to bring in the regular military, which we’re willing to do,” President Trump said on Friday inside the Oval Office. “And after we do this, we’ll go to another location…We’re going to make our country very safe. We’re going to make our cities very, very safe.”

He specifically called out Chicago, which he characterized as “a mess.”

“You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And we’ll straighten that one out, probably next. That’ll be our next one after this, and it won’t even be tough,” said the president.

Trump claimed that Chicago residents themselves are “screaming for us to come.” He continued, “They’re wearing red hats just like this…African American ladies, beautiful ladies, are saying, ‘Please, President Trump, come to Chicago. Please.’”

The president then claimed he “did great with the Black vote,” adding, “They want something to happen. So I think Chicago will be our next.”

While Trump did make inroads with Black voters, nearly 85% of Black voters supported his opponent in the 2024 presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump signaling that he will target Chicago–which could include the deployment of the National Guard, as he did in Los Angeles–doubles down on previous threats to take federal action against cities with large Black and Latino populations and led by Black mayors.

Angela Angel, senior advisor for Black Lives Matter PAC, told theGrio weeks ago during Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles, that it was a “testing ground” for cities like Chicago.

Angel said any perceived help from the Trump administration has come in the form of “terrifying” actions such as “masked ICE agents kicking down doors without warrants, kidnapping American citizens and immigrants alike without due process, and federal troops terrorizing Black communities for the crime of existing.”

The political operative and organizer told theGrio, “Let’s be clear: this isn’t about safety. This is occupation. We’re watching Black activists slammed to the ground and brutalized for allegedly evading metro fares. This isn’t law enforcement. It’s state-sanctioned terrorism with a badge.”

The Black Lives Matter leader pointed to an irony in history, given that, in 1965, federal troops were sent to “protect Black people from white supremacist violence,” referring to President Lyndon B. Johnson deploying troops to protect civil rights protesters in Alabama ahead of the Selma to Montgomery march.

Now, Angel said, “In 2025, Trump is using troops to carry out violence against Black and Brown communities. That’s the reversal. That’s the danger.”

Last week, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson blasted Trump’s crackdown in D.C. and the president’s criticisms of the Windy City, telling Democracy Now!, “The fundamental difference between the authoritarianism that’s coming from the White House versus the collective community approach that we’re leading here in Chicago is that the president is looking to resuscitate the sins and the evil of the past, and the city of Chicago is moving progressively forward.”

Johnson touted the actions his administration has taken to address crime in the city, including investing in mental health and behavioral health. As a result, Chicago has seen a 30% decline in homicides, a 40% reduction in shootings, and a nearly 35% decline in robberies.

“There is certainly more work to be done, but we’re not going to transform our cities if we revert back to a time in the past where the addiction of jails and incarceration has not led to safer communities,” said Mayor Johnson.

Accusing Trump of “hypocrisy,” he added, “If he was serious about transforming our cities, he would not have taken over $800 million out of the budget that was designed for violence prevention.”

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What was essentially a pre-determined contest at an indie wrestling show turned out to be a vicious, jaw-dropping incident that saw one individual end up at the hospital and that shook the whole business to its core. Raja Jackson, UFC legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s son, ran into one of the wrestling rings during a live broadcast by way of Kick and was slinging real, unprotected punches at the head of unconscious wrestler Stewart Smith, more commonly known by his ring name Syko Stu, lying on the mat.

The now-widely seen viral video on social media within hours captures Raja brushing aside apologies by bystanders and police officers to cease attacking, becoming increasingly angry while confronted by a stunned crowd.

“I don’t play that shit… I’m tired of everybody playing with me,”
Raja ranted as he attacked, his words burning into the memory of all viewers forever who saw the moment live on television.

Rampage’s Public Response

Rampage Jackson himself was reportedly viewing another livestream with YouTuber Sneako at the time the violent video was streamed. He was reportedly stunned, taking up social media shortly after to discuss the matter.

“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. The wrestler (Stewart Smith) is awake and stable. Raja was told he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring as a part of the show. It was bad judgment, and a work that went wrong,” wrote Rampage.

The UFC great admitted that his son was neither professionally trained to wrestle nor just suffered through a concussion from sparring in MMA, so entering the contest was irresponsible at best.

“As a father, I’m deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith. That being said, I’m very upset this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on his behalf and to Kick for the situation.”

The Shocker Twist: Revenge, Not a SCRIPT

Film excerpts of some older Raja interviews and others paint a grimmer image. Raja is said to have remarked:

“They told me I could hit him for real. I’ll tell you guys this, I’m going to hit him as many times as I can. Watch.”

Perhaps it was no coincidence or error but instead acts of vengeance beforehand for a lone battle reportedly started earlier today, when Smith allegedly hit Raja on the forehead backstage.

The outcome: a “staged” wrestling stunt turned into a genuine attack with individuals, including paying spectators, in attendance.

The Victim: A Veteran Who Uses Wrestling as Therapy

What’s so tragic is that Raja attacked. Stewart Smith, also known as Syko Stu, is not some free agent wrestler. The guy’s a U.S. Army veteran and has talked about how pro wrestling was one of his lifelines during the time he was suffering from PTSD.

“I joined Knox Pro because I needed something to focus on. A lot of veterans, it’s hard for them to readjust to civilian life. Wrestling gave me something to hold onto. Being in front of a crowd doesn’t give me as much anxiety and aggression as I thought it would,” revealed Smith in one of his earlier interviews.

For a man already fighting intangibles, to be duly knocked out cold in the middle of what was supposed to have been a staged show is pure tragedy.

Kick Bans Raja Jackson After Wrestler Flattens

Throughout the following hours, matters only grew darker. The news near the scuffle confirmed that Stewart “Syko Stu” Smith briefly flatlined following the beating before he was revived by paramedics at the scene. The jaw-dropping news was sufficient to prompt streaming service Kick to immediately suspend Raja Jackson’s account from the service, claiming “violent and disturbing behavior while live streaming.”

Graphic video that has been shared online appears to show Raja moving across the parking lot at night following the confrontation, screaming into his phone with what appears to be blood on his clothes.

Although we do not know the context of the clip, that of the son of Rampage Jackson storming off the scene with bloodstains has only fueled the controversy. What was a gimmick of a wrestling stunt once has escalated into a real-life controversy of assault, hospitalization, and life suspension from one of the fastest-growing livestreaming sites of the web.

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Looks like Apollonia is gearing up to fight for the right to continue using her iconic stage name. 

According to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, August 19 in Los Angeles, Patricia “Apollonia” Kotero claims Prince’s estate is trying to seize control of “Apollonia,” the stage name Prince himself once anointed her with, and that she’s performed under for more than four decades, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and People magazine reported. 

In her complaint, the 66-year-old actress and singer argues Prince not only encouraged her to embrace the name during their whirlwind in the 1980s, but that no one in his orbit ever challenged her right to it while he was alive. The lawsuit insists the estate’s recent bid to trademark “Apollonia” for clothing and entertainment, while also moving to cancel her own registrations, is an attempt to rewrite history.

“There is only one Apollonia,” she declared in the complaint, per the outlets. “And Apollonia is the source of the goods and services provided under this name. Therefore, to protect her brand, Ms. Kotero owns several ‘Apollonia’ trademark applications and registrations.”

Apollonia has long been tied to Prince’s mythology. She was his leading lady in the famous film “Purple Rain,” plucked seemingly from nowhere and thrust into the Minneapolis sound and the spotlight. She went on to front the girls group Apollonia 6 in the 1980s and has carried that name into acting, music, and business. 

Earlier this summer, however, according to her suit, the estate quietly filed to register the “Apollonia” trademark and undo hers, sparking a fight that could leave her unable to use the very name the world knows her by. 

Prince’s estate has fired back via a statement since the suit was filed, dismissing it as “frivolous” and unwarranted.”

“We never instructed her to cease using her adopted professional name, nor did we object to her business activities,” the estate said, per People, adding that it has “repeatedly offered her opportunities to perform at Paisley Park using this professional name.” 

Kotero’s suit also claims that the issue between her and Prince’s estate is a “real, immediate, and justiciable controversy.” 

As the one who physically embodied the character and has kept her alive through the years, she is seeking “a judicial declaration” or decision in her favor of ownership over the trademark. 

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Rolling onto the “Funky Friday” podcast on August 23rd by Cam Newton, sports journalist Joy Taylor made what would have otherwise been a friendly disagreement between co-workers a public knock-down, drag-out destruction derby of insults, and Jason Whitlock was the wreckage.

The Roast Heard ‘Round Sports Media

Taylor wasn’t here merely to listen to Whitlock’s opinions. Taylor was here for his soul, his shopping, and most of all, his cholesterol. “Whenever somebody says Jason Whitlock, man, I don’t even think he’s alive anymore,” she joked, straight-faced but venomous. “I’m not sure that anything works harder than his cholesterol if he’s being honest.”

That was enough to wrap up the bit, but Taylor came at him with Roast Battle tactics. She waved off his earlier snipes at her body, coming at him with a smorgasbord of fat jokes: “He said something about peanut butter, yeah? What a witty one. Food.”

So she turned to religion. “No, we don’t. Who loves Jason? Does God love Jason? I do not. I do not love Jason.”

Social media was already buzzing by then, half of them exclaiming “Queen!” and the other half exclaiming “Hypocrisy!”

Hiding out in the Shadows

Taylor swung out, describing Whitlock as some kind of hermit who does not walk out the door during the day. “Where are they gonna see him, a hole? He is not going out. Where is he gonna go? You are never gonna see him. He’s hiding, which is where he should stay.”

Not satisfied, she hammered the point home: “I don’t even think he goes grocery shopping. You’re not even going to see him. You’re gonna wait all week, all day, you’re not even going to see him.”

Basically, Joy Taylor declared Whitlock to be extinct in the wild.

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If you’ve been scrolling endlessly through your streaming apps wondering what to watch, TheGrio’s got you covered. This week’s picks are stacked with new and fresh releases that mix drama, history, and hard truths. From Netflix’s highly anticipated Jussie Smollett documentary to Sterling K. Brown bringing heart and Black brilliance to Washington Black, there’s something here that will keep you seated on the couch, tuned in.

The Truth About Jussie Smollett? – Netflix

What it is: A hard-hitting documentary (TV-MA, ~1h 26m) revisiting the controversial 2019 case, featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with Smollett, investigators, legal experts, and the Osundairo brothers Netflix+1. Directed by Gagan Rehill and produced by the creators behind The Tinder Swindler and Don’t F**k With Cats. The film doesn’t tell you what to think but it gives you facts and perspectives to work with and asks, “Who do you think is telling the truth?” Some people finished the doc saying Jussie is owed an apology, while others say he got what he deserved.

Where & when to watch: Available to stream on Netflix starting August 22, 2025

Washington Black – Hulu (and internationally via Disney+)

What it is: Adapted from Esi Edugyan’s acclaimed novel, this eight-episode period drama follows George Washington “Wash” Black, a young enslaved boy on a Barbados plantation whose extraordinary intellect sparks a transatlantic journey toward freedom, guided by Sterling K. Brown’s character, Medwin Harris WikipediaHulu PressWhat to Watch.

It’s historical fiction with a twist, infused with emotional depth. Critics praise its rich visuals, heart, and bold genre blend and Brown’s performance gives us a stirring story that underscores Black resilience and aspiration. 

Where & when to watch: All eight episodes dropped July 23, 2025, and are now streaming on Hulu (US) and Disney+ internationally 

Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time – Hulu / National Geographic

What it is: A gripping five-part docuseries that tracks the days before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina’s landfall. Built from raw archival footage and firsthand accounts, it pulls viewers into the heart of the catastrophe and exposes the systemic failures that left thousands vulnerable. Directed by Traci A. Curry and executive produced by Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, the series brings urgency and humanity to one of the most consequential disasters in modern history.

This isn’t just a retelling of a storm but rather a story about survival, injustice, and resilience. The docuseries centers the voices of those too often sidelined, offering emotional truths and hard critiques of how government and society responded when Black lives were on the line.

Where & when to watch: Released July 27 on National Geographic, with full availability on Hulu and Disney+ starting July 28.

Whether you’re in the mood for an intense docuseries, a juicy drama, or an epic reimagining of Black resilience, these series and documentaries are worth your time. So grab the remote, queue them up, and let us know in the comments which one you’re watching first.