DEAR ABBY: At 54, I’ve reconnected with “Neil,” my best friend from childhood, after 40 years apart, and we’re now engaged. While I don’t have children, Neil has two daughters, aged 11 and 13. The younger one is currently in therapy and on medication for depression and anxiety. I care for them deeply, as though they were my own. Their mother, however, is largely absent and neglectful, a fact that Neil can’t stand.

Unfortunately, Neil’s own behavior isn’t exemplary. He struggles with intense anger issues and has lashed out at me with harsh insults, often in front of his daughters. Despite seeking help through couples therapy, Neil still battles with his temper and excessive drinking, and is unable to set boundaries or enforce discipline, leaving the children without proper guidance from either parent.

I’m deeply unhappy and considering ending the relationship, yet after nearly five years together, the thought of leaving is wrenching. Not only would Neil be shattered, but the girls too, especially the younger one whose reaction I fear. Leaving would be as much a blow to me as it is to them.

I am dealing with bipolar disorder, and the strain on my mental and emotional well-being is palpable. The stress is also taking a toll on my physical health, causing issues like weight loss, psoriasis, and digestive problems. I’m lost, as my therapist hasn’t been very supportive. What should I do? — OVER MY HEAD IN NEW YORK

DEAR OVER: It seems your first step should be finding a new therapist who better suits your needs. Once you’ve regained some stability, remember that you do not have to shoulder Neil’s problems. Al-Anon meetings could provide you with support and clarity, helping you recognize that his struggles with anger and alcohol are not your burden to bear.

Neil’s children are not and should not be your responsibility. If you haven’t been able to establish a healthy, stable environment for them (at least when they are staying with their dad), accept that it isn’t likely to happen. Explain to the children that it is not their fault that you are leaving, and then move on.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 26 years. I have often felt as if we were growing apart, often finding interests in different things. We seem unable to discuss our emotions without one of us getting hurt feelings and the talk devolving into awful arguments. There has never been any real question of extramarital affairs.

One night, I playfully asked if I could go through his computer. He immediately became defensive, saying he just doesn’t like people getting into his computer, messing with his stuff. I get that. I wouldn’t want just anybody getting into my computer, either. However, I am not just anybody; I’m his wife. He has full access to all of my computers, phones and digital accessories. Why do I feel like he’s got something to hide? I don’t know what to do. — PRESUMPTION OF GUILT

DEAR PRESUMPTION: Pressing your husband on this issue right now will only lead to more arguments. If you want to repair the marriage, you both need to learn to communicate more effectively. Without mentioning his computer, invite your husband to see a licensed family therapist with you. If he refuses, go without him. If he agrees, work on the basics now and save the privacy issues and your suspicions for future sessions.

In a development preceding the untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, sought to clear his criminal record. Hickerson submitted a request to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, aiming to expunge charges related to domestic abuse involving the actress, as reported just weeks before her passing.

Per documents retrieved on August 13 and assessed by the Daily Mail, Judge Olivia Rosales ultimately rejected Hickerson’s appeal. This judgment came a mere three days prior to Panettiere’s unfortunate demise, which was classified by authorities as a ‘suspected overdose.’

Back in July 2020, Hickerson faced a series of legal challenges, being charged with eight various felony and misdemeanor offenses. These charges stemmed from a series of incidents that implicated both him and Panettiere.

In a pivotal moment in August 2022, Hickerson entered a plea of ‘no contest’ to two felony counts. Consequently, the remaining six charges were dismissed, and he was sentenced to a four-year probation period.

As part of his probation, Hickerson was mandated to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, attending at least once per week as dictated by court stipulations. Additionally, he had to fulfill a requirement to complete a set of anger management classes.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hickerson’s lawyer and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for further comment on the story. 

Hickerson completed his probation on August 1. Last week, he filled a petition with the court to change those felony charges to misdemeanors. He also asked the court to expunge the charges from his record.

Prosecutors sought to block both of Hickerson’s attempts to have the charges knocked down to misdemeanors in the Thursday hearing, according to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Hickerson had filed two earlier petitions to dismiss the case, on July 18 and on June 27 (in a hearing which was delayed), according to records reviewed by the Daily Mail.  

Hickerson said in legal docs that he had finished his probation in requesting the court dismiss the case. 

He was charged with domestic violence in May of 2019, with Panettiere receiving a protective order in the case – as the charges were eventually dropped.

In July of 2020, he was arrested in connection with eight charges of domestic violence linked to multiple incidents that occurred in the timeframe between May of  2019 and January of 2020. 

He eventually entered a no contest plea to a pair of felony counts of injuring a partner in April of 2021, with the rest of the charges dropped.  

In 2021, he received a 45-day sentence in county jail, along with four years of probation, attendance at 52 domestic violence courses and a restraining order lasting five years.

Hickerson spent 33 days in Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail following a credit for 12 days served, the outlet reported, according to sheriff’s records viewed by the Daily Mail. 

This past May, he spoke with TMZ about past instances of domestic violence and abuse in his relationship with the actress, which she detailed in her memoir released that month, titled This Is Me: A Reckoning.  

‘I got arrested for abusing her, and I wouldn’t blame her friends for being pissed off with me, so I don’t really have much to say on that,’ said Hickerson, who was first linked to the late actress in 2018. ‘You never lay hands on a woman, bottom line.’

In the interview with the outlet, Hickerson referenced one horrifying story that Panettiere detailed in her memoir.

He said, ‘There’s a story where I was drunk, right? Hayden was standing across the room and I had a phone in my hand and I said, “Hayden, I’ll give you 10 seconds to run as fast as you can before I throw it at you.” Who wants to read something about themselves, right?’

Hickerson continued, ‘But you gotta be vulnerable and I did it. I did it, so.’

He said he was in ‘such a dark place’ involving ‘drugs’ and ‘alcohol,’ adding, ‘Good God, almighty, she’s five foot two on paper, four-foot-11 in real life. I mean, come on.’

After the arrest, Panettiere put out a statement saying she hoped she could serve as an example for others in a similar situation.

She said, ‘I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me in the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve.’

Hickerson in May told TMZ that he remained in regular contact with Panettiere, and harbored hope they could resume their romance at some point. 

He added, ‘Hayden is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met in my life.’ 

Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina pronounced Panettiere dead at 36 on Sunday afternoon following a suspected overdose, adding that a ‘preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances’. 

The Department of Justice ignited scrutiny on Monday with an investigation targeting the College of William & Mary. The probe aims to assess whether the Virginia-based public research institution’s scholarships and student benefits inappropriately incorporate race-based criteria, marking another move in the Trump administration’s nationwide focus on educational practices.

Announced by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the compliance review seeks to determine if the college potentially breaches Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark law forbids discrimination based on race, color, or national origin within programs or activities that receive federal funding.

“It is illegal to award scholarships or offer valued opportunities to students based merely on skin color. Such practices contradict the pledges of our color-blind Constitution,” remarked Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, in a public statement.

Dhillon further elaborated, “We are investigating whether scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary show any preference towards applicants of specific races. The Department remains vigilant and will not overlook any forms of race-based preferences, regardless of their presentation by universities.”

The “W&M Scholars” program for first-year undergraduate students includes a scholarship that covers at least the full cost of in-state tuition and fees.

While the scholarship is not limited to any particular race, the DOJ said in a notice letter to the institution that applicants with an “interest in diverse people and perspectives” receive “top consideration.” William & Mary’s website lists that consideration alongside academic ability and potential and first-generation or limited-income status.

The W&M School of Education’s need-based Martha L. Muguira Fellowship for graduate students gives a “preference” to Hispanic or Latino women, who have financial need, according to the DOJ. The W&M School of Education’s doctoral-level Holmes Scholars program was described by the DOJ as giving “future education leaders of color” mentorship, access to job fairs and position announcements, as well as national-level professional development benefits, including policy and advocacy training and opportunities to present their research. William & Mary’s current website describes Holmes Scholars as students “from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.”

The DOJ said the W&M Law School offers the Lemon Legal Scholars Program. The DOJ said W&M Law offers up to five full scholarships covering tuition and fees that appear to be exclusively for HBCU graduates. William & Mary’s current website, however, says the law school “will award at least five full scholarships” to HBCU graduates admitted to its J.D. program.

Recipients of this scholarship also receive networking opportunities, one-on-one academic advising regarding course load and bar exam preparation, as well as access to special events with W&M Law School faculty, senior administrators and alumni.

The law school also advertises the “Reaching Back Scholarship,” which is a need-based scholarship that has a “preference” for HBCU graduates or those “who contribute to the diversity” of W&M Law School, the DOJ said.

Some programs at the institution were established to deal with the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary.

The DOJ urged William & Mary to hand over certain documents and information by September 8 as part of the compliance review. The department said ⁠it wants ​to secure compliance by “informal voluntary means” ​but may take formal action such as proceedings that could result in the termination of federal financial assistance if it deems such a move necessary.

Responding to the federal probe, William & Mary said in a statement that it is “committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments across our campus and complying with all state and federal laws.”

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said it had not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of the investigation.

This is just the latest effort by the Trump administration to target educational institutions across the nation for issues such as race-based admissions and scholarships, diversity, equity and inclusion programs and alleged antisemitism on campus.

In a troubling trend on the streets of Brooklyn, a woman became the latest unintended victim of gun violence on Monday. Her injury marks the third instance of random bystanders being shot in the area within just 48 hours.

The 52-year-old woman found herself in the path of danger while walking near the Glenwood Houses NYCHA complex in the Flatlands neighborhood. At approximately 1:10 p.m., a bullet grazed her left arm, as reported by the police.

Sources revealed that the incident involved three male suspects who quickly fled the scene, making their getaway on scooters.

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at Ralph Avenue, where they attended to the wounded woman before transporting her to Brookdale Medical Center. Fortunately, her condition is stable.

Authorities later confirmed to The Post that she was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.

Year-to-date NYPD data shows shooting incidents in the 63rd precinct — which contains the crime scene — have plunged 60% compared to the same period in 2025.

However, Monday’s shooting follows the tragic death of Sofronie Hartzog, a mother of five who bled out in a Crown Heights bar bathroom after she was hit by a stray bullet during a street brawl over the weekend. 

The deadly gunfire erupted when a fight broke out between a group of about 100 people outside the Ooh La La Lounge near Bergen Street and Howard Avenue around 2:23 a.m. Sunday, according to the NYPD.

An errant bullet struck Hartzog in the back and a 34-year-old man in the gut — both unintended targets, police said.

Hartzog ran into the bar, where she collapsed in a restroom.

First responders rushed her to Brookdale Medical Center, but she died from her injuries.

“They killed her, that’s what happened,” her grieving aunt, Melinda Hartzog, told The Post.

“She was the best person in the world,” she said, adding that her niece left behind five children. 

Neighbor Jennifer Ortiz described the slain victim as a doting mom, always putting her well-behaved kids in nice outfits.

The budding romance between Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton appears to be heating up.

The 45-year-old reality television icon unveiled snippets from her sun-kissed holiday alongside the 41-year-old Formula 1 champion and her children on Monday.

Sharing a trove of vacation photos and videos, the mother of four highlighted a sizzling selfie taken with Hamilton during their trip.

Kardashian showcased her fit physique in a daring pink Gucci bikini top paired with white shorts, as Hamilton embraced her gently from behind.

Another photograph captured the duo in a tender moment as they enjoyed a romantic stroll along the beach.

Kardashian also showed off her hourglass curves in a lilac bikini as she took a dip in the ocean in another photo. 

She accessorized her beach look with a chic belly chain. 

‘Somewhere over the rainbow,’ she wrote in the caption of the post. 

The loved-up pair also posed for a snap with Kardashian’s sister, Khloe, who was on the trip with her two children, daughter True, eight, and son Tatum, four.

There was also a photo of the star relaxing on a beach swing.

Other snaps showed Kardashian’s daughter Chicago, eight, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, seven, enjoying the vacation.

There were also shots of a sea turtle and a stunning sunset. 

The SKIMS founder went on to add a few clips that showed her trying to surf while rocking a pink bandana on her head.

Khloe commented on the post, writing, ‘Besties for restie.’

Kardashian’s pal La La Anthony wrote, ‘This dump made me smile.’

‘This makes me so so happy! What magical memories!’ her friend Tracy Romulus wrote.

‘Each slide made me smile even harder,’ Love Island star Jana Craig added.

Hamilton also gave fans a glimpse from the trip. The race driver and Kardashian went public with their romance earlier this year and have been spending plenty of time with each other’s families since.

Among his collection of summer snaps was one that showed Kardashian on a swing. She looked stunning in a backless yellow dress and had a flower in her hair, as Hamilton watched on in the forefront of the image.

He penned in the caption of the post: ‘Only some of my Summer break. Grateful for the days away. I’m heading back to track recharged and ready.’

Other snaps included him with members of his family, enjoying time on the beach and discovering the wildlife on the mystery vacation island where he was staying.

The new post comes after Kardashian and her children kissed Hamilton’s new puppy Halo in sweet family snaps last week, ten months after the death of his beloved English bulldog Roscoe.

The pair, who have been dating since February, took to Instagram to share a series of snaps of the new family member.

The children, who along with daughter North, 13, Kardashian shares with ex-husband Kanye West, were all smiles as they cuddled and kissed the pet pooch.

In July, the British star made a rare comment about his girlfriend at the Silverstone Circuit racing venue during the British Grand Prix.

After a fan observed, ‘You’ve been a happier man recently, why’s that? Could that be a girlfriend?’ Hamilton responded: ‘Yeah, that’s a good one!’

He later added: ‘Of course, of course, it’s Kim.’

Earlier this summer, the sports star joined his girlfriend and her huge family on a lake trip.

He appeared in various photos she shared on social media, revealing he has met and spent time with her four kids.

Hamilton was first romantically linked to Kardashian earlier this year.

The pair enjoyed a trip to Japan together and they are said to have spent a weekend at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, England, as well as visiting Paris, France in early February.

They also appeared publicly together during the 2026 Super Bowl in February, when they were shown on the stadium’s big screen during the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

Hamilton – who has previously been linked romantically with singer Nicole Scherzinger and actress Sofía Vergara – and Kardashian had known each other for several years before getting together.

The murder trial concerning Duane “Keffe D” Davis, charged in connection with the 1996 slaying of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, has officially commenced with the conclusion of opening statements in Las Vegas.

While Davis, aged 63, is not accused of directly firing the gun, prosecutors assert his presence in a white Cadillac alongside three others during the infamous drive-by shooting. This assault targeted Shakur and his then-associate, music executive Marion “Suge” Knight, who survived and later faced unrelated legal troubles, landing him in a California prison.

The prosecution points to Davis’s own words, shared in an interview with detectives in 2008 and published in his 2019 book, “Compton Street Legend: Notorious Keffe D’s Street-Level Accounts of Tupac and Biggie Murders, Death Row Origins, Suge Knight, Puffy Combs, and Crooked Cops,” where he allegedly provided details of the shooting.

During the trial, Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal of Clark County emphasized Davis’s purported gang affiliations, labeling him as a leader within a Compton sect of the Crips. Palal depicted Davis as present at Shakur’s murder scene and linked him to a gathering that included Shakur’s musical adversary, Biggie Smalls, on the fateful night Biggie was killed six months later.

“Duane Davis made sure that the shooters were armed and ready to execute their revenge — and remarkably, you will learn that from Duane Davis himself,” Palal said. 

He played several clips of Davis’ interviews during his opening remarks.

Palal said Davis was present at both Shakur’s shooting in Las Vegas and the Los Angeles party where Christopher Wallace, better known under his stage name the Notorious BIG, was killed six months later. Davis shook his head as Palal raised that allegation.

While few people ever spoke about the crimes, Palal said Davis had a hard time keeping quiet — dishing details on Shakur’s murder in three separate interviews with federal investigators, then in a televised documentary and again in his 2019 book.

In promotional material for the book on Amazon, Davis is described as a “former shot caller for the Southside Compton Crips and Kingpin of a Compton based drug operation,” as well as “one of the only living witnesses to the 1996 slaying of rapper Tupac Shakur.”

Davis was a confidential informant for the Los Angeles Police Department during the 2008 interview. However, the judge agreed with prosecutors that his remarks should be allowed at trial because of the public statements in the book.

The defense has argued that Davis embellished and fictionalized claims in the book and challenged the admissibility of statements from the 2008 interview.

“What they are telling you, they’re representing it to be a fact when it really is fiction. And it’s up to you to determine what the facts are in this case,” defense attorney Michael Sanft said in his own opening.

Sanft accused investigators of never properly vetting the claims in Davis’ book — undercutting the authenticity of his statements. 

He said police did not interview another suspected eyewitness after Davis claimed he was present at the time of Shakur’s death. That witness has since died. 

And Sanft accused former LAPD Detective Greg Kading, who is on the witness list, of stealing the LAPD’s case file on the murders of both Shakur and Wallace.

Despite all the interviews with Davis over the years, and the 2019 book, prosecutors didn’t charge him until recently, he added.

Knight, another living witness, has said in recent interviews that he doesn’t intend to cooperate if called to testify. His name appears on the prosecution witness list. He has not responded to messages from News Media.

The assailants struck Shakur four times on Sept. 7, 1996, while he was in a BMW alongside Knight on the Las Vegas Strip. He died from his injuries six days later, at 25 years old.

Three other men believed to have been in the Cadillac with Davis that night have since died.

Hours before the shooting, Shakur, Knight and others were involved in a fight at the MGM Grand with Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, Davis’ nephew and a member of the South Side Compton Crips. The other two were Deandrae “Freaky” Smith and Terry “Bubble Up” Brown.

More than a dozen members from two Penn State fraternities have been charged for orchestrating a sophisticated cocaine trafficking operation. Prosecutors revealed that underage pledges were coerced into preparing the drugs, which were then sold to fellow students.

A total of 14 individuals, including a leader from Long Island deemed “very top of the food chain,” are facing charges linked to this interstate drug trafficking network. Among those charged, four are current Penn State students, nine are alumni, and one is a parent.

The Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities reportedly linked up with suppliers from New York and Philadelphia to smuggle cocaine, targeting primarily the university’s student body for distribution.

“This was a well-coordinated and lucrative drug operation involving key fraternity figures and their pledges,” remarked Attorney General Dave Sunday in a press release on Monday.

“Indeed, the evidence shows that for some pledges, the initiation process into the fraternities included cutting and packaging cocaine,” he added.

Sunday noted during a Monday press conference that 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, of Westbury, Nassau County, was “at the very top of the chain.”

Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities, respectively — were the main suppliers in the scheme, with Abbatiello frequently traveling to New York to acquire large quantities of cocaine between 2023 and 2024, the investigation found.

Abbatiello allegedly distributed cocaine as recently as February 2026, according to court documents. 

When he learned law enforcement was interviewing individuals about Penn State drug dealing, he reportedly “begged them not to talk about his involvement.”

The cocaine was cut and packaged primarily at the off-campus Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being distributed mainly to Penn State students.

Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Huraibi, and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

A second Long Islander — Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset — is also charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.

Also charged, with misdemeanors, are: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.

Paul Robinson, Thomas’ father, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.

Penn State has since suspended Delta Upsilon while it investigates the frat and said Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and opperates outside its supervision.

“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs. “Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.”