Kim Kardashian Cries Talking Kanye, Shielding Kids ... 'It's Really F***ing Hard'

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KIDS COME FIRST
Angie Martinez IRL Podcast

Kim Kardashian broke down in tears while opening up about her struggles co-parenting with Kanye West amid their split ... and says she's gone to great lengths to keep the drama away from their kids.

Kim got candid on the "Angie Martinez IRL" podcast ... saying hiding the noise from her kids while trying her best to co-parent with Kanye is a serious struggle -- but jumps through hoops to make sure the negativity isn't brought to their kids.

She sheds some tears while reflecting on her dad, Robert ... and hopes to give her kids the same great memories Robert gave to her -- but admits it's tough during multiple waves of controversy.

As Angie points out, Kim ain't co-parenting with a nobody ... and Kim sheds some more tears -- hoping North, Chicago, Saint, and Psalm will thank her later in life for not bashing their pops.

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DAMNED IF I DO, DAMNED IF I DON'T
Angie Martinez IRL Podcast

Kim also opens up about her experience during Balenciaga's backlash ... saying her response to the controversy didn't come quick enough to the public -- even though she claims she was in the dark about the ordeal at first.

She gets emotional again, pointing out how frustrating it is to always try and do what's right but always face the chopping block. Kim also points to cancel culture in today's world -- saying we obviously need to call out things that are wrong, but also notes people make mistakes.

The Bail Project Celeb-Backed Org Shuts Down ... After Suspect Bails Out and Shoots Vegas Man

An organization that helps people bail out of jail -- and supported by big celebs -- has shut down after getting sued by a man who was shot days after the shooter was released on bail ... bail posted by the org.

The Bail Project has a list of big celebs behind it, including John Legend, Danny Glover and Richard Branson.

The Bail Project posted $3,000 bond for Rashawn Gaston-Anderson last December. He had been arrested on burglary charges and had a long rap sheet, including attempted grand larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, felony burglary and auto theft ... this according to 8NewsNow.

Six days after being released on the $3,000 bond, Gaston-Anderson shot a Las Vegas man, Chengyan Wang, 7 times.

Gaston-Anderson copped a plea on charges of attempted robbery, mayhem with enhancements for using a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 7-18 years.

Wang, who apparently has permanent injuries, is now suing The Bail Project, claiming it did not do due diligence before posting bail for Gaston-Anderson. The Clark County D.A. who prosecuted Gaston-Anderson said, "One can say, in a sense, they are vouching for the person."

The Bail Project, which has posted bond for 51 people in the Las Vegas area since 2021, called the incident "an absolute tragedy."

The Bail Project reportedly violated the law by not registering with the Nevada Division of Insurance.

Univ. Of Idaho Murders Victim's Father Has Confidence In Police ... Says DNA & Video Evidence Key to Solving Case

Idaho detectives probing the savage murders of 4 college students have come under fire for failing to solve the case after six weeks, with some doubting their competence ... but at least one victim's family believes the cops have the wherewithal to bring the killer/killers to justice.

Ben Mogen -- father of slain University of Idaho student Maddie Mogen -- told The Spokesman-Review he has no doubt Moscow PD will solve the baffling quadruple homicide with biological and visual evidence.

"From the very beginning, I've known that people don't get away with these things these days. There's too many things that you can get caught up on, like DNA and videos everywhere. This isn't something that people get away with, that goes unsolved."

idaho police interview
FULL SCALE INVESTIGATION
FOX News

Maddie and her fellow classmates -- Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin -- were fatally stabbed in an off-campus house on Nov. 13. The unknown assailant/assailants are still at large. Police have not disclosed a motive.

Despite the lack of answers, Ben Mogen threw his support behind the case investigators..."I have to just know that they know what they're doing, and if they don't, then they know someone that does," referring to the FBI and the Idaho State Police -- both of whom are assisting the Moscow Police in the investigation.

Mogen gave one investigator in particular props for regularly keeping him in the loop on developments in the case. But, he still admits he's waiting for answers to "so many questions."

It's interesting ... Mogen's statements stand in stark contrast to those of Kaylee Goncalves' family, which has been very critical of police. Kaylee's father, Steve, called the cops "cowards" for not releasing more information about the killer/killers, which has put other people at risk or so he claims. Steve also labeled the police "inexperienced" and hired a private detective to conduct their own investigation into the slayings.

R. Kelly, Duggar, Ghislaine Maxwell Locked Up For The Holidays ... But, Still Eatin' Good!!!

Ghislaine Maxwell and R. Kelly are rockin' around the Xmas tree behind bars once again, while "Cheer" star Jerry Harris and Josh Duggar are celebrating the big holiday locked up for the first time ... but bein' in the clink doesn't mean they're missing out on a feast.

TMZ has obtained prison and jail menus for Christmas Day from places where big names are doin' time ... and the holiday grub ain't sounding so bad -- even if there's no turkey.

Here's what these celebs will be chowing down on Dec. 25:

Joe Exotic at FMC Fort Worth:

-- Baked Cornish hen, tofu fried rice, bread stuffing, heart-healthy carrots, chicken gravy, bread & butter, fruit and holiday pies

Duggar at FCI Seagoville:

-- Herbed Cornish hen, glazed ham, veggie stuffed peppers, veggie lasagna, broccoli cheese & rice casserole, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce, rolls and holiday pies

Harris at FMC Lexington:

-- Glazed Cornish hen, beef sirloin steak, broccoli quiche, baked candied yams, cornbread stuffing, collard greens, chicken gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, fruit and pies

Fetty Wap at MDC Brooklyn:

-- Herbed Cornish hen, eggplant parmesan, dirty rice, baked beans, green beans, dinner rolls, fruit, pies and juice

R. Kelly at MCC Chicago:

-- Baked Cornish hen, green beans, cornbread dressing, mac & cheese and sweet potato casserole

Maxwell at FCI Tallahassee:

-- Cornish hens, stuffed green peppers, garlic mac & cheese, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, red velvet cheesecake and fruit

In addition to the grub, facilities are giving out holiday-themed bags to inmates filled with more snacks, puzzles and even some games.

Not saying these celebs deserve activities, but billiards tournaments, chess, bands and bingo are just some of the things going down for the holidays. Fetty Wap's facility is even hosting a talent show ... but that sounds like an unfair advantage for the rapper!!!

Trashy Justice 82-Year Old Arrested for Failing to Pay $77 Trash Bill New Body Cam Video

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PLACED IN CUFFS
Law&Crime Network

This is so incredibly sad ... cops arresting and handcuffing an old lady who didn't pay her trash bill.

Thing is ... the cops were just following protocol, which means someone should start thinking about protocol.  82-year-old Martha Menefield opened the door of her Valley, Alabama home and saw 2 cops with an arrest warrant.

Martha was delinquent in paying her $77.80 trash bill and that was enough to hook her up and take her to the station.

One cop tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't cry, Ms. Martha."

Body cam vid shows one of the officers laughing at one point ... hopefully the laugh was the absurdity of arresting someone because they can't afford the basics of life.

She says she thought she had paid the bill, but the cops said they had to follow protocol, which was to handcuff her and take her to the police station.

Just crazy ... Merry Xmas.

Tory Lanez Found Guilty of Shooting Megan Thee Stallion Facing Likely Deportation

Tory Lanez is guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot back in 2020 ... a jury has decided.

The verdict came in Friday, just before the holiday -- where a group of L.A. jurors found the Canadian rapper guilty of all three charges against him -- felony negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm.

After the verdict was read, several members of Tory's family -- including his dad and stepmom -- shouted, "This system stands before God!" and calling the court system evil. Deputies surrounded his family members and escorted them out of the courtroom.

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FEELIN' OPTIMISTIC
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Tory was filmed entering court before the verdict was read, telling cameras his spirits were high.

Tory now faces more than 22 years in prison, which will be determined during sentencing on January 27. Sources connected to the case tell us Tory's lawyers were in touch with immigration officials -- before the guilty verdict -- and we're told they've been informed there's a strong likelihood he will be forced to leave the country.

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CAN'T STOP THE STALLION
BACKGRID

This marks the conclusion of a wild 2 weeks in court, which saw a handful of witnesses take the stand to recount what they say happened on that fateful night. Megan herself obviously testified, squarely pointing the finger at Tory as the shooter.

Tory Lanez with son 12/13/22
TORY'S FLASHY ARRIVAL
BACKGRID

She said she saw Tory with the gun, explaining she remembers him firing at her from his Cadillac Escalade ... and claims he shouted, "Dance, bitch!" MTS also testified that Tory offered her $1 million to keep quiet.

Meg was called out by the defense for several items, including the fact she initially wasn't forthright about having an intimate relationship with Tory Lanez, and that she'd initially lied to police about how her feet had gotten injured.

The defense also tried to target Meg's ex-BFF, Kelsey, as the shooter ... and the reason she might've shot her was because of alleged creeping behind her back with guys like Ben Simmons, DaBaby and Tory himself -- a revelation that apparently sparked a major argument among all 3 of them in the car.

What exactly happened in the car was a major source of contention during the trial. While Megan had one version of events -- Kelsey seemed to have a different story ... albeit, with a very spotty memory on the stand that created stop-and-go recounting under oath.

What she did definitively testify to on the stand ... she wasn't the one who shot Megan ... but she wasn't willing to go as far as to say Tory did.

But, remember ... prosecutors were eventually able to get the green light to play a prior interview she'd given investigators in September -- and in that recording, she said Tory did actually shoot Meg.

Other witnesses took the stand too, but none of them were as consequential as Megan and Kelsey -- including the guy who supposedly saw the two women fighting from his balcony. Ultimately, he wasn't very definitive about who he says he saw fire the gun.

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EXITING THE VEHICLE
TMZ.com

The physical evidence in the case wasn't that strong -- there was gun residue found on both Kelsey and Tory ... and inconclusive DNA evidence on the gun itself. Tory never took the stand, and neither did his driver that night ... Jaquan Smith. Aside from cops and a witness to the Kylie Jenner party that preceded all this -- it really boiled down to Kelsey and Meg.

In the end, the jury obviously sided with prosecutors. As for the court of public opinion ... the jury is still very much out. People certainly took sides on social media -- and on traditional media too -- but now ... it's unclear if their allegiances will change.

A long and twisted journey ... finally over.

'RHOSLC' STAR JEN SHAH Gov Asks For 10-Year Prison Sentence ... For Fraud Case

"Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah should be behind bars for 10 years after pleading guilty in her wire fraud case -- at least that's what federal prosecutors want the judge to order.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the feds are seeking a 10-year sentence against the "RHOBH" alum, insisting she's the "most culpable person charged in this case."

The docs go through a laundry list of reasons why prosecutors think she's deserving of the lengthy lockup ... saying the reality star used the money from her fraud to "live a life of luxury."

Prosecutors say Shah attempted to "conceal her role in the scheme," but was very involved in the day-to-day operations. In the docs, prosecutors say Shah was upset with the amount of money coming in around June 2018, and texted her coworkers, "“I’m coming in to set appts for these guys tomorrow. Please get my 24 karat gold headset with diamond encrusted mouthpiece ready. Papi needs money for the weekend and [a co-conspirator] needs baby mama money.”

They also say her post-arrest conduct shows she deserves a long time in prison -- pointing out she went "on a public offensive against the charges and tried to profit off the charges by selling 'Justice for Jen' merchandise."

As we reported, Jen finally took a deal in July, pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing ... and as part of her deal, prosecutors dropped one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The deal calls for a sentence of up to 14 years in prison, and she could end up being on the hook for around $9 mil in restitution to victims of the fraud. Jen herself has asked for a 3-year sentence.

Orlando Brown Arrested For Domestic Violence Allegedly Swung Knife & Hammer at Brother

UPDATE

9:35 AM PT -- We're told Matthew and Orlando are not actually blood brothers -- but that's what he told cops.

UPDATE

6:25 AM PT -- According to cops, Orlando's brother Matthew claims he allowed the actor to stay at a home he was renovating because Orlando is homeless -- and he didn't want him to go to a homeless shelter.

UPDATE

Matthew told officers Orlando was acting "crazy" inside the home, accusing him of raping his wife and then came at him with a broken off knife blade and a hammer in a threatening manner.

UPDATE

Matthew told cops Orlando was never able to physically strike him with the weapons, and eventually set them down.

More trouble for "That's So Raven" star Orlando Brown ... the actor's been arrested for domestic violence in Ohio.

A spokesperson for the Lima Police Department tells us they got a call about a fight in progress Thursday ... when they arrived, they came upon the former Disney star and arrested him for misdemeanor domestic violence.

It's unclear who called 911, but cops say Brown's conflict was with either a family member or another person living in the home. He's apparently been in the Ohio town for over a month -- with fans tweeting about seeing him around Lima.

Brown's online booking record shows the charge as "domestic violence - cause belief of imminent physical harm by threat of force."

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CAUGHT WITH HIS PANTS DOWN
TMZ.com

As we've reported, OB's had a lot of problems with the law over the last few years. You'll recall he was busted in his underwear on an outstanding warrant back in 2018. He was also arrested previously for narcotics possession and alleged burglary.

He's also had some dealings with Dr. Phil -- including a time when some friends tried to stage an intervention for the actor.

Originally published -- 12:30 AM PT

Walmart Employee Held Hostage No Plans To Quit ... Company Offers Counseling

walmart hostage
HOSTILE HOLIDAYS

Being held hostage at gunpoint during work is not enough for Jessica Redfern to leave her front end team lead position at Walmart ... she tells us she's willing to return to her post.

Jessica, the Walmart employee seen on video being held hostage by a woman wielding a gun inside a Mississippi store, tells TMZ ... she's rightfully taking a few days off work after the scary incident, but doesn't have any plans to quit and look for a new job.

As we reported ... the hostage situation played out on video Wednesday night at a crowded Walmart in Richland, MS ... with Jessica being held against her will at gunpoint before police responded and ultimately shot and killed the suspect.

Jessica tells us Walmart is offering counseling services to her and the coworkers who had a front-row seat to the traumatic experience ... but she hasn't decided if undergoing counseling is the right move for her.

In the meantime, Jessica is dealing with police ... giving cops a statement. But, she's not ready to publicly address the hostage situation.

Jessica, who's worked at Walmart for 10 years, tells us one of her managers called her Thursday to check up on her ... and she's simply not ready to give up on the only job she's ever known.

Walmart, Jessica says, is a big part of her life ... she cares deeply about her coworkers and some of the regular customers.

IDAHO MURDER HOUSE Big Party When Victims Weren't Home ... Lots of Folks Had Access

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PARTY CRACKDOWN

The Idaho house where four students were stabbed to death was truly a party house ... new police body cam footage shows officers responding to a big bash at the pad, several weeks before the grisly murders ... meaning lots of people had easy access to the home.

The off-campus house hosted a wild party Sept. 1, and when police showed up for a noise complaint they were told the University of Idaho students who lived there weren't even home ... despite their pad being packed to the gills with revelers.

In the body cam footage, first obtained by the "Truth & Transparency" YouTube channel, Moscow police officers are banging on the front door for several minutes before someone finally answers and tells cops the residents left to hit up another party.

Five students lived in the home ... including three of the four students who were stabbed to death inside the home just two months after the party ... and the two guys who answered the door at the party told police none of them were there, despite the party raging on without them.

The cops eventually get in touch with one of the residents, Madison Mogen, talking to her on the phone. She's heard telling them "sorry" and says she's "frustrated" ... and cops tell her to "just come home."

As you know ... Mogen was found stabbed to death in the home Nov. 13, along with her housemates Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, plus Kernodle's boyfriend Ethan Chapin.

Police do not have a suspect yet ... but this footage makes it clear a lot of people knew about the house and could get inside.

Walmart Employee Held Hostage at Gunpoint ... Cops Fatally Shoot Suspect

walmart hostage
HOSTILE HOLIDAYS

A woman with a firearm held a Walmart employee hostage at gunpoint inside a Mississippi store ... causing cops to race to the scene and take lethal action.

The nightmare situation played out Wednesday night at a Walmart in Richland, MS ... video from inside the store shows a woman holding a gun in one hand and grabbing hold of a Walmart employee with the other.

As you can see, the Walmart worker looks terrified as she's ordered around the store by the woman with the gun.

Police say they responded to a report of a hostage situation and an officer ended up shooting and killing the suspect. Cops say no one else was hurt in the incident, and now the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is on the case.

It's unclear why the woman took a Walmart employee hostage ... but cops say they were told the suspect walked into the store with a gun and demanded news crews show up.

Folks who were there told local TV news station WAPT they were ordered outside the busy Walmart before hearing gunshots.

Todd Chrisley Ribs on Menu for Last Days of Freedom

Todd Chrisley is soaking up every last bit of life on the outside before he goes away for a long time -- breaking bread with an unofficial family member ahead of guaranteed slop.

The reality TV star was spotted Wednesday grabbing lunch in Nashville with his daughter Savannah's ex-fiancé, Nic Kerdiles ... in what appeared to be just a two-man outing between them ... no other Chrisleys in sight. They dined at a place called Green Hills Grille.

Eyewitnesses tell us they were talking a lot, leaning in close as they chatted in deep, serious conversation.

Makes sense ... there's a lot of heaviness hovering over the family right now -- especially with Todd and his wife, Julie. He's staring at a 12-year sentence ... Julie's facing 7 years.

So, yeah ... nothing to really be cheerful about in the Chrisley household -- but at least Todd seems to be trying to get out and enjoy what's left of his fleeting freedom.

As for the grub ... Todd and Nic ordered a spinach and artichoke dip appetizer -- and each got rib rolls for their main course. Even more evidence TC is counting his days ... Lord knows he won't be eating that well in the joint.

Take it in while you can, Todd. Clock's ticking ...

Tory Lanez Countin' Sheep In Court ... Mum On Dozing Off During Jury Instructions 😴

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EYES WIDE OPEN
BACKGRID
UPDATE

5:50 PM PT -- Tory Lanez was wide-awake leaving the courthouse Wednesday following his defense team's closing arguments, being peppered with questions by paparazzi about dozing off during the trial.

UPDATE

For his part, Tory refused to answer any questions, about falling asleep or otherwise ... and he had his son with him again. Tory walked out of the courthouse carrying his son, and they got into a waiting SUV and drove off.

UPDATE

It's worth noting ... Tory was paying close attention to his defense's closing arguments and was definitely wide-awake for that part of the trial.

Tory Lanez might be losing sleep at home, cuz he appeared to make up for it in the middle of his Meg Thee Stallion shooting case ... dozing off as jury instructions were given.

Tory was in court for day 8 of his Los Angeles trial Wednesday -- and while he didn't take the stand, seems like he may have taken the opportunity to rest his eyes. Courtroom eyewitnesses say T.L.'s eyes closed, and his head bounced up and down several times like someone fighting off exhaustion.

To be fair, it only appeared to happen during the jury instructions -- which don't pertain to Tory -- but still ... he's the one on trial!!!

As for the rest of the proceedings, closing arguments are set to begin after the court comes back from lunch.

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EXITING THE VEHICLE
TMZ.com

As we reported, it's been an emotional trial, Meg teared up during her testimony as she told the jury, "I wish [Tory] would've just killed me if I knew I'd have to go through this." She reiterated several times she saw Tory with the gun before getting shot.

Kelsey Nicole Harris, the other woman in the car with Tory and MTS during the 2020 shooting, caused fireworks when she almost immediately asked for immunity when called to the stand.

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MISCONDUCT IS CLEAR
TMZ.com

Megan's bodyguard -- who was supposed to offer "devastating evidence," according to Megan's attorney, Alex Spiro, has seemingly gone missing ... and never testified.

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UNREMARKABLE ENTRANCE
BACKGRID

A lot's gone down so far ... no wonder it looked like Tory's needin' a pillow!!!

Originally Published -- 1:28 PM PT

Aaron Paul Family It's Official ... We're Pauls, Y'all!!!

Aaron Paul and his family have a new official surname -- the same one he's been going by, professionally at least, for years now.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Aaron's name change petition with the courts has been approved ... as have the ones submitted on behalf of his wife, Lauren, and their son Casper -- who'll now go by Ryden.

AP's kid, at first, was known as Casper Emerson Paul ... but now that a judge has signed off, his legal name is Ryden Caspian Paul. For her part, Lauren simply wanted to adopt her husband's stage surname -- which the court also granted.

In other words, everyone got what they wanted ... and there's new monikers to go around. As many know, Aaron's birth surname was Sturtevant -- but he apparently didn't like it anymore, and has been using Paul since before even his "Breaking Bad" days.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Nothing really changes on the public front ... we've all been calling Aaron Paul "Aaron Paul" this whole time. Now though, the DMV's gonna have to call him that as well.

Idaho Murders Cops See No Connection In Oregon Hyundai ... Ask People To Stop Contacting Owner

Moscow Police have looked into the mystery behind a crashed Hyundai in Oregon, and say they don't believe there's any connection to the case of the murdered college students ... so now they're asking for people to stop hounding the car's owner.

Moscow PD tells TMZ ... the department has spoken to the female owner of the white car that was found in Eugene, OR over the weekend -- adding she's "not believed to have any relation to any property in Moscow, Idaho or the ongoing murder investigations."

Cops say the vehicle is registered in Colorado and was involved in a collision, subsequently getting impounded. Moscow police are specifically asking the public to "stop contacting the owner."

As we reported, someone called Eugene police about a person sleeping inside the car ... and an official for the department told us they made contact with the individual but no further report was made.

Moscow investigators were made aware of the vehicle, as they've been on the hunt for a car with the same description that may have been near the crime scene.

idaho students cops
SCREAMING ??
New York Post

Many believe the murder investigation's gone cold, but new police body cam footage shows cops stopping 3 people suspected of underage drinking near the crime scene around the time of the murders. In the video, you can hear what some believe to be a scream in the background ... others say it's just tires screeching.

Teresa Giudice Here's Some Advice for the Chrisleys ... On Doing Hard Time

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PRISON PASTIME
BACKGRID

Teresa Giudice has done both reality TV and a prison stint -- making her the perfect person to offer Todd and Julie Chrisley tips on how to come out the other side new and improved.

The 'RHONJ' star chatted it up with a photog Tuesday at LAX, where she was asked what sort of advice she might offer the patriarch/matriarch duo of "Chrisley Knows Best" ... and as it turns out, Teresa's got a lot of great insight that'll help pass the time.

Watch ... TG says the best thing to do is to stay engaged with their immediate family -- and a lot of that is going to depend on their children coming to visit them, like her family did when she served more than a year back in the mid-2010s for her fraud case.

Granted, Todd and Julie are due to be behind bars for a lot longer than that -- Todd 12 years and Julie 7 -- but even with that ... Teresa says there's more to be done in order to find peace amid the tense situation.

Other recommendations she has ... staying busy, either with a job or through exercise, and keeping your mind active. She also says a good meal might not be so hard to come by -- but it might require them to get their hands dirty.

Fact is, there's a lot the Chrisleys can undertake in prison that'll help make things easier ... but the biggest one is to envision the next chapter. That's what Teresa says, anyway.