Howard University is stepping to the mic after viral tweets accusing it of displacing up to 500 students ahead of the fall semester. News of the enrollment update began circulating late Wednesday (July 22). By Thursday, the talks had escalated, with weigh-ins from students, alumni, and even high-profile figures like Pastor Jamal Bryant. Howard is now clarifying the switch-up and the next steps students can take. The fall semester will begin on August 17.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Two Alleged Suspects In Custody After Shooting Leaves Multiple Injured Near Howard University (VIDEO)

Posts About Displaced Students Surface On Social Media

As mentioned, social media was already going in on Howard hours before its Office of Communications dropped a statement. Threads, in particular, was popping off with reactions. While some reactions showed empathy for students, others explained that the enrollment update is a standard procedure. Others insisted that the update sparked a host of other issues for students and their families.

 

 

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Pastor Jamal Bryant Joins Viral Howard Talk

Pastor Jamal Bryant, a Morehouse alum, is one of the first celebrities to publicly address the situation at Howard University. Taking to Threads, he shared prayers for the students and called on other HBCUs to step in.

“My heart and prayers going out to the 500 students displaced by Howard university … trying to see what HBCUs can help take them. We can’t let the spirits of these young scholars be broken 🙏🏾,” Bryant wrote.

Howard University Office Of Communications Says Students Were Warned

On Thursday, the Howard University Office of Communications addressed the ongoing backlash concerning their enrollment changes. The statement went live on its news hub, The Dig, and opened with acknowledging how “difficult and disappointing” the update was for students and their families. Then, the second bolded sentence explains the timeline of warnings impacted students received, beginning in March.

“Howard University provided multiple detailed communications throughout March, April, May, June, and July to first-time-in-college students and families on steps needed to secure enrollment for the fall 2026 semester,” the statement read. “Notifications included emails, personalized financial aid information, videos, and Bison Prep sessions—to help incoming students understand tuition payment requirements, payment plan options, the process for reporting outside scholarships, and the deadlines necessary to secure their enrollment.”

So what happened? Well, according to Howard University, the students who didn’t meet the payment expectations or the reporting deadline for scholarships and other financial aid got the boot. Or, as the statement said, “were notified that the University [could] no longer hold their place in the incoming class.” 

In the meantime, Howard University will be reviewing information about “anticipated scholarship funding and other financial aid.” Additionally, it “will
consider relevant circumstances presented regarding pending scholarship awards and financial aid resources.” 

Students who have questions can reach out to Howard University officials HERE.

RELATED: $650K & No Experience? FAMU’s New President Sparks UPROAR Over Political Ties | TSR Investigates

Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s widow, Tenisha Warner, is still trying to push forward following his sudden death in 2025. In a new interview, Tenisha revealed that she’s struggled to remember everything about the day the actor died because the pain is unbearable. Tenisha’s sit-down with Gayle King comes days after the widow sued Malcolm-Jamal’s mother for over $1 million.

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Tenisha told King on “CBS Mornings” that moving forward since losing her husband has been a difficult journey and challenge. “The moments of the day, they occupy my body so deeply,” she said. “So it’s really hard for me to sort of relive what all of that was and to think about it because it just breaks me in a way that makes it hard for me to sort of stay steady.”

Tenisha went on to call the tragedy “the worst day of my life,” adding that losing her husband feels “unfair.” She said that since that moment, her focus has been primarily on her daughter. “And all I can think about was my daughter and what I needed to do to continue to be her mother. And be her only parent,” she said.

Why Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Decided To Speak Out

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Tenisha has stayed out of the spotlight since Malcolm-Jamal’s death in July 2025. She decided now was the perfect time to speak out after realizing that her husband, known for his role in “The Cosby Show,” had impacted many people.

“I often share with people that, yes, he was famous, but from my experience when people met him, they were not wowed by his fame, they were wowed by him,” she said. “People would come up and it wasn’t like, ‘Oh my goodness, you’re Malcolm…’ They’d be like, ‘You have touched my life in such a big way, you have no idea.’”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Died After Drowning In Costa Rica

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Malcolm-Jamal Warner died last year at the age of 54. His passing was described as asphyxiation by submersion, also known as drowning, and was deemed accidental, according to ABC 7.

The actor was swimming with his 8-year-old daughter in Costa Rica when they began struggling in the water.

According to the news, local surfers dived into the water to help bring them both to safety. Once back on land, Malcolm-Jamal received 45 minutes of CPR before being pronounced dead.

Malcolm-Jamal’s Widow Sues His Mother

Days before speaking out, Tenisha made headlines after suing her late husband’s mom, Pamela Warner, over a prenuptial agreement that had allegedly not been fulfilled.

According to The Blast, Tenisha claimed in her lawsuit that she is owed $1.2 million but didn’t receive what she was supposed to due to his death.

Tenisha is suing Pamela, the trustee of Malcolm-Jamal’s trust, and arguing that the family trust should be responsible for what she says her husband owed under their prenup.

The legal documents ask the court to decide whether the trust is legally required to fulfill those alleged obligations.

In the legal documents, Tenisha also said that she’s attempted to settle their disputes out of court for over a year but has been unsuccessful.

“I have been struggling to care for our daughter as a single mom and now as her sole provider. Legally, I had no choice but to take action to protect our rights before any potential statute of limitations expired,” Tenisha said in court.

Raven-Symoné Breaks Silence On Malcolm-Jamal’s Death

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Malcolm-Jamal’s sudden passing impacted more than just his wife, considering Hollywood greats posted powerful tributes after learning of the news.

His “Cosby Show” co-star, Raven-Symoné, shared an emotional message on social media shortly after, captioning the post, “I love you.”

The post, which was a video of her reflecting on her relationship with the actor, featured a touching message honoring his life and legacy.

“Words cannot describe the pain and the sadness and surprise that I feel with the recent loss of MJW,” the “Raven’s Home” actress said. “He was the big brother, he was a beacon, he was one of the most multifaceted, talented men. So gentle, and my heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother.”

Rosie O’Donnell is opening up about the internal conflict she faced before undergoing a reported $90,000 facelift following her dramatic weight loss. The 64-year-old comedian revealed that she initially questioned whether cosmetic surgery aligned with her feminist beliefs. However, Rosie O’Donnell ultimately concluded that feminism also meant having the freedom to make decisions about her own appearance.

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O’Donnell reportedly underwent a deep plane facelift in January after losing 60 pounds while taking Mounjaro. While promoting her one-woman stage show, “Common Knowledge,” the former talk show host admitted that she initially viewed facelifts as a response to societal expectations placed on women. “I had to wrestle with myself because as a feminist I always felt [facelifts were a response to] the male gaze and not anything I believe in,” O’Donnell told PEOPLE.

According to the comedian, her 13-year-old nonbinary child, Clay, also questioned what the procedure might communicate to those who view her as a role model. “Mommy, girls look up to you. What does your legacy stand for if you do this?” Clay reportedly asked.

O’Donnell eventually decided that undergoing the procedure did not contradict her values. Instead, she described bodily autonomy as central to feminism, explaining, “The real power of feminism [is] to decide what we want to do with our bodies and when.”

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O’Donnell’s decision marked a significant departure from comments she made several years earlier about aging in Hollywood. During a 2021 interview with Vulture, the “And Just Like That” actress said she intentionally planned to avoid plastic surgery because she believed her natural appearance would help her secure more character-driven roles later in life.

“I always knew as an actress that when I got into my 60s I would be playing the [Geraldine Page] roles,” she explained at the time. “I wasn’t going to have plastic surgery. I was going to look the way a woman my age should look, and I always thought that would be a blessing in my older age. I would get to play the [Colleen Dewhurst] roles. That has turned out to be true. I’m getting all this acting work now that I’m closing in on 60.”

Five years later, O’Donnell appears to have reconsidered that position after her substantial weight loss changed the appearance of her face.

Her Weight Loss Influenced The Cosmetic Procedure

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O’Donnell reportedly became frustrated when people repeatedly told her that she appeared unhappy, even when she felt content.

The facial sagging she experienced after losing 60 pounds contributed to her decision to seek cosmetic work. The procedure reportedly restored volume, reduced visible sagging around her face and jawline, and gave the actress an added confidence boost.

Although her reasoning has attracted scrutiny, O’Donnell did not attempt to hide the surgery or credit her altered appearance to skincare, dieting, or other less invasive measures.

Rosie O’Donnell’s Facelift Explanation Draws Criticism

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A Daily Mail columnist criticized O’Donnell for presenting the procedure as a feminist decision, arguing that the comedian could have simply admitted she wanted to change her appearance after losing weight. The commentary also contrasted O’Donnell’s explanation with Ricki Lake’s approach to cosmetic surgery.

Lake publicly disclosed that she underwent a deep plane lower face and neck lift in 2024 after losing 40 pounds. The former talk show host recently marked the second anniversary of her surgery by sharing before-and-after images and publicly thanking her surgeon.

While both women acknowledged undergoing cosmetic work after substantial weight loss, the columnist argued that Lake discussed her decision without attaching a broader political or ideological message to it. O’Donnell, however, appears to view the choice through the lens of her long-held beliefs about women, aging, and autonomy.

Rosie O’Donnell’s Long-Running Feud With Donald Trump

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O’Donnell’s facelift comments come as she continues navigating another highly public chapter of her life: her decades-long feud with President Donald Trump. The comedian moved to Ireland shortly after Trump’s second inauguration, a decision she has connected to the country’s political climate.

Despite relocating across the Atlantic, O’Donnell has continued speaking openly about the president and the effect she believes their longstanding conflict has on him. “I think I trigger him like a PTSD response of all his failures in his life as a kid,” she told Variety.

A quarter of a century is a long time to dwell on the letters we got from Hogwarts telling us to head to the Hogwarts Express, but it’s that time again and the Wizarding World is preparing to cast its spell over cinemas. Having already confirmed that all eight Harry Potter films will return to theatres for a limited anniversary run, Warner Bros. Discovery is now showing off a special treat to fans at San Diego Comic-Con, who’ve been given a first look at some of the merchandise accompanying the celebration. Naturally, there’s a big red steam engine, scarves and broomsticks involved.

New images from SDCC, courtesy of Collider’s Steve Weintraub, reveal a collection of Harry Potter cinema merchandise created for the franchise’s 25th anniversary, including, as is the fasion these days, increasingly elaborate and almost demented popcorn containers inspired by the Hogwarts Express and the four Hogwarts houses.

The standout item is a large model of the Hogwarts Express choo-choo train, complete with its red-and-gold paintwork, wheels and “5972” numbering, and the display also includes an oversized Nimbus 2000 broomstick.

The New ‘Harry Potter’ Popcorn Buckets Are Ready for Hogwarts

Another bucket features artwork of Hogwarts beneath a moonlit sky and comes decorated with removable-looking crests representing Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, the four Hogwarts houses which represent courage, heart, intellect and, erm, being villains. There’s also a separate drink container which has been styled after a Hogwarts uniform, complete with a red-and-gold Gryffindor scarf, striped tie and matching straw.

The merchandise arrives as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, released internationally as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its theatrical debut. The film will return to cinemas with 12 minutes of behind-the-scenes material that has never previously been shown on the big screen.

All eight movies will screen worldwide from August 27 through September 3, with tickets scheduled to go on sale July 31. The anniversary celebrations will also include global fan events, theme-park activations and new glimpses at HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series.

The year of the Spider is about to get into full swing. After visiting the grittier, campier, more black-and-white world of Prime Video’s Spider-Noir with Nicolas Cage back in May, the main event is almost here with Spider-Man: Brand New Day arriving on July 31. Tom Holland‘s return five years after the emotional conclusion of No Way Home will be a darker one, following a Peter Parker that’s been living in the shadows ever since all memory of him was lost and whose powers are now going haywire while a new threat looms over New York. There’s a lot to look forward to in the blockbuster, from the web-slinger’s team-up with The Punisher, to a rampaging Hulk, returning fan-favorites, and a mysteriously cast Sadie Sink. To celebrate, the mobile title Marvel Contest of Champions is continuing its season-long “Summer of Spidey” with plenty of goodies related to the wall-crawler.

Kabam has been going all-out to expand the roster of its free-to-play fighting RPG for all manner of Spider-Man fans lately. The “Summer of Spidey” event has already seen the launch of Hobgoblin, with Black Tarantula announced to enter the fray as a new champion later this month. The recent “Web of Corruption” event also introduced an appropriately pulpy new motion comic for Spider-Noir. They each add to a lineup of characters now totaling over 330, with an especially diverse collection of heroes and villains with their own movesets and abilities from throughout not just Peter Parker’s world, but the entire Spider-Verse. Now, a new trailer for Contest of Champions highlights the many Spiders and related characters brought to life from the page to fight in this multiversal crossover of epic proportions.

The cinematic starts zoomed in on the original Spidey as he and his allies swing in to deal with an invasion of villains throughout the Battlerealm. Everyone is caught in the fray, from Iron Man, who is in a battle of power armor with J. Jonah Jameson in his Spider Slayer suit, to Nick Fury, who’s surrounded by an army of Mysterio clones. In the end, it’s the Spider-People who ultimately turn the tide of the fight. Silk webs up Rhino and lands a swift kick to Kraven the Hunter’s jaw, while Spider-Punk aids Doctor Strange by tripping up Doc Ock, Sandman, and more as they charge through portals in a sequence paying homage to No Way Home. Soaring above them is Spider-Gwen as she wraps up both Green and Red Goblin, and Spider-Man India even manages to evade both Venom and Carnage while the Spot complicates their fight with his dots. It’s one giant showcase of all things Spider-Man, culminating in one marvelous group photo of Peter surrounded by his rogue’s gallery, as confident as ever in his victory.

‘Marvel Contest of Champions’ Symbiote Squad Builder Event Is Still Underway

While these various Spider-Man characters can be deployed in 1v1 battles, the original storyline, or other content either with friends or solo as part of your squad, Marvel Contest of Champions is also still running the Symbiote Squad Builder event as part of the “Summer of Spidey.” Through August 5, players can attempt to assemble their strongest teams possible using only Symbiotes, Spider-Verse characters, and other friends and foes of the web-slinger, and earn rewards for completing matches with them. Squad sizes have also improved to make this the best iteration of the event to-date. It’s built to be accommodating to new players and veterans alike, letting everyone construct a squad of free champions, improve them through battles, and ultimately challenge a boss for rewards while racking up milestones.

Other additions to the game throughout the month have included a Daily Bugle Bundle giveaway, allowing new players to add 10 Spidey-themed champions to their collection immediately, and a new epilogue for endgame players to experience. There’s one more new event coming soon too, with Black Tarantula’s Secret Stash starting July 29 and running through August 12. This underworld-themed opportunity will have everyone chasing event milestones and Secret Stash Solo Objectives to earn pry bars and gain access to loads of rewards. In all, the Battlerealm looks to remain busy as summer slowly draws to an end.

Marvel Contest of Champions is continuing its Summer of Spidey event throughout the rest of the season. Check out the special trailer in the player above.

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Release Date

July 31, 2026

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Runtime

145 Minutes

Director

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Destin Daniel Cretton

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians returned to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con with one of Disney’s biggest television presentations of the convention. As anticipation continues to build for Season 3, the cast and creative team took the stage to offer fans a closer look at the adaptation of The Titan’s Curse, the third novel in Rick Riordan‘s bestselling fantasy series. The upcoming season marks a major turning point for the Disney+ series, expanding the world beyond Camp Half-Blood further while introducing some of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

Following the success of the show’s first two seasons, fans have been eager for their first real look at what’s in store when Percy Jackson returns. Ahead of the panel, Disney teased exclusive footage, new character reveals, and a preview of the adventures awaiting the young demigods. That promise made the presentation one of the most anticipated television events of the weekend, with many hoping Hall H would finally deliver the first footage from the upcoming season. Disney ultimately did just that, offering attendees an extended preview that sets the stage for Percy’s next quest.

Disney Unveils the Opening Minutes of ‘Percy Jackson’ Season 3

Image via Disney+

Disney debuted the opening minutes of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 during the Hall H panel, giving fans their first look at the adaptation of The Titan’s Curse. The footage opens with Thalia Grace (Tamara Smart) walking alone through rain-soaked streets decorated for Christmas before making her way into a dimly lit parking garage. There, she confronts a towering blue monster that attacks her with blasts of fire. As the battle unfolds, Thalia repeatedly demands to know where Luke is, continuing one of the show’s central conflicts after Luke Castellan aligned himself with Kronos. Before the fight can turn against her, Percy (Walker Scobell) arrives and uses his water powers to burst a nearby water line, helping Thalia defeat the creature. He immediately asks her to join him on a mission to find Grover, but she’s surprised he even wants her on the team. While the exact circumstances differ from the opening of Riordan’s novel, the search for Grover appears to be one of the first major objectives of the new season.

Annabeth (Leah Jeffries) soon emerges from the shadows and attempts to convince Thalia to put their differences aside for the sake of rescuing two missing half-bloods. Percy and Annabeth quickly begin debating whether Thalia should accompany them, highlighting the uneasy dynamic between Zeus’ daughter and Poseidon’s son. Although both are children of the Big Three, they’ve rarely seen eye to eye since Thalia’s return. During the panel, Smart playfully described their rivalry as “generational beef,” and the footage shows exactly what she meant. Rather than wait for the argument to end, Thalia hotwires a nearby car and speeds away, bringing the preview to an abrupt close.

The footage suggests the Disney+ series will remain closely tied to Riordan’s source material, even if it reshuffles some of the novel’s earliest events. Following the preview, Scobell described Season 3 as the “most book accurate” season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians yet. Executive producer Dan Shotz echoed that sentiment, explaining that the creative team constantly references Riordan’s novels throughout production and that the books serve as a guide to faithfully bring the story to life on screen.

Stay tuned to Collider for more coverage from San Diego Comic-Con.

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Release Date

December 19, 2023

Network

Disney+

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Showrunner

Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz

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Writers

Joe Tracz, Andrew Miller

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  Walker Scobell

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  Percy Jackson

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  Leah Sava Jeffries

  Annabeth Chase

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