Dentist, Dr. Jaha Howard, Georgia State Senate Runoff
by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Local Dentist, Dr. Jaha Howard, Wins Georgia State Senate Runoff

Howard received about 52 percent of the vote.

Dr. Jaha Howard, a pediatric dentist and former member of the Cobb County Board of Education, won a special election runoff Dec. 16 for Georgia State Senate District 35. The win secures Dr. Howard a seat in the state legislature.

Howard received about 52% of the vote, defeating former state Rep. Roger Bruce, who received about 48%, in the runoff election, WSB-TV reports. 

During the campaign, Howard emphasized affordability, public education, and access to healthcare.

“This is about listening to people’s real needs and putting in the work, so we can make sure our kids get funded properly, make sure we have true literacy in Georgia, and make sure that we have affordability in Georgia,” Howard said in an interview with WSB Radio.

The newly elected Georgia senator stressed the need for haste and collective action.

“We’re moving in a sense of urgency to deal with affordability, to deal with our attacks on our freedoms, and we’re going to do it together,” Howard said.

Earlier this year, Jason Esteves resigned from the Senate to pursue a run for governor, leaving the District 35 seat open.

Howard brings experience in both education and healthcare to the Legislature. He previously served four years on the Cobb County Board of Education. Additionally, Howard served on Cobb County’s Transit Advisory Board.

Georgia Democrats welcomed Howard’s victory following the results.

In a statement reported by CBS News, party leaders said, “Senate Democrats welcome our newest partner in the fight to lower prices and uplift communities across Georgia.”

Howard will serve the remainder of Esteves’s term. He is expected to be sworn in ahead of the upcoming legislative session. Just in time to weigh in on education funding, healthcare policy, and transportation priorities. The new state senator says he plans to begin meeting with constituents and local leaders immediately to prepare for his first session in the Senate.

RELATED CONTENT: Jasmine Crockett Announces Senate Run In Texas

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, American Academy Of Pediatrics , vaccines
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2025

American Academy Of Pediatrics Loses U.S. Health Department Funding After Criticizing RFK Jr.

The organization is an outspoken critic of RFK Jr.’s federal vaccine agenda.

The Department of Health and Human Services has withdrawn millions in grant funding from the American Academy of Pediatrics following the organization’s criticism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s policies.

On Dec. 17, it was revealed that HHS terminated seven grants worth millions of dollars awarded to the pediatric association, including funding for programs aimed at reducing sudden infant deaths, improving adolescent health, preventing fetal alcohol syndrome, and early identification of autism, The Washington Post reports. The organization, an outspoken critic of RFK Jr.’s federal vaccine agenda, was reportedly blindsided by the cuts and is weighing response options, including a potential legal challenge.

“This vital work spanned multiple child health priorities, including reducing sudden infant death, rural access to health care, mental health, adolescent health, supporting children with birth defects, early identification of autism, and prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, among other topics,” said Mark Del Monte, AAP’s chief executive and executive vice president.

“The sudden withdrawal of these funds will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children, youth, and their families in communities across the United States,” he added.

HHS said it cut funding to AAP over concerns about the use of “identity-based language,” such as references to racial disparities and “pregnant people,” and for what it described as an insufficient focus on nutrition and chronic disease prevention. Spokesman Andrew Nixon said the grants, along with others to separate organizations, were canceled because they no longer aligned with the department’s mission or priorities.

One termination letter for a CDC grant on birth defects and infant disorders cited language in the grant materials as not aligned with current CDC and HHS priorities.

“These elements are not incidental; they are woven through the title, narrative and work plans of your organization’s award project and define your organization’s project’s objective framework,” Jamie Legier, director of CDC’s office of grants services, reportedly wrote in the letter. “As such, your organization’s activities under [award number] are no longer in alignment with the stated HHS and CDC priority areas.”

If the AAP pursues legal action over the grant cuts, it would not be its first lawsuit tied to its public clash with RFK Jr. The group previously sued HHS over Kennedy’s vaccine policy changes after he removed COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC’s recommended schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, departing from long-standing guidance.

In June, AAP President Susan J. Kressly said the organization would not support a system “being politicized at the expense of children’s health.” After the AAP issued its own vaccine recommendations, Kennedy questioned on X whether the guidance served public health interests or pharmaceutical backers. The grant funding appears to be the latest development in the ongoing battle.

RELATED CONTENT: HHS Employees Press RFK Jr. To Stop Sharing False Claims

Fani Willis, DOJ, Trump
by Sharelle B. McNair

December 18, 2025

Fani Willis Reminds Everyone ‘I Ain’t Marjorie Taylor Greene’ While Defending 2020 Trump Election Probe 

Fulton County DA Fani Willis told a Georgia Senate committee she won’t be swayed by threats while prosecuting Trump and allies.

Things got heated when Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified before an investigative Georgia state Senate committee, reminding lawmakers that she won’t back down to threats and was doing her job by prosecuting “criminals” like President Donald Trump and his allies. 

The hearing took place Dec. 17 while Willis was forced to answer questions about her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired to work alongside her during the groundbreaking 2020 election interference case against Trump and several allies. Her relationship ultimately resulted in her being removed from the case. 

However, Willis questioned why lawmakers are still fixated on that and not on the number of times she has been attacked, both personally and professionally. “You all have been trying to intimidate me for five years, which is why I have not been able to live in my house for five years, because the N-word has been written on my house, thousands of threats have come to my office,” Willis testified while defending her actions.

“And instead of doing some legislation…when someone says something inflammatory that you know is going to cause them to be the victims of crime, you ought to do something about it. But you see, I’m not Marjorie Taylor Greene. I ain’t going to quit in a month because somebody threatened me. I took an oath to do the right thing. People came into my community and committed a crime, and I indicted them, and rest assured, if someone else comes in my community and commits a crime, I will indict them again.” 

@tndtok

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis fired back at a Georgia state Senate committee, which was questioning her prosecution of President Donald Trump. “But you see, I’m not Marjorie Taylor Greene, I ain’t going to quit in a month because somebody threatens me,” Willis said. Read more at the link in our bio. faniwillis georgia trump 2020election prosecution

♬ original sound – The National Desk – The National Desk

Willis referred to Greene’s abrupt announcement of retiring from representing Georgia in Congress amid a sudden switch-up from MAGA loyalist to vocal Trump critic. “I have too much self-respect and dignity… to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms,” she said in a lengthy November 2025 X post. 

The district attorney knows a thing or two about vicious attacks from the Trump administration and his Republican colleagues. According to CNN, the investigative committee was created solely to look into Willis, seeking evidence that her relationship with Wade was financially beneficial. While speaking before the committee consisting of six Republicans and three Democrats, Willis’ microphone was briefly cut off at one point. 

The re-elected official made it clear that she felt the probe was “a damn joke” and even touched on not trusting some of its members, such as Republican state Sen. Greg Dolazal, who is allegedly eyeing the lieutenant governor’s seat. “I don’t trust you. I understand you’re trying to run for Lieutenant Governor right now. Anything you want me to testify to I’m going to need to see,” she said during her testimony. 

Willis’s attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, shared similar sentiments about a lack of trust in committee members, calling the hearing an act of political theater and stating that he hoped it was worth it for them, since it could put the district attorney at risk. “Make no mistake — your actions here will put the District Attorney at risk. The attendant publicity will inflame those who believe there is a vast conspiracy against the President,” Barnes said in an opening statement that he was banned from reading.

“I hope the political benefits you receive from this spectacle are worth it.”

RELATED CONTENT: Fani Willis Speaks On ‘Culture of Fear’ After Removal From Trump Case  

Elevate Your Excellence: Jay Bailey Is The Architect Of Opportunity And The Global Blueprint For Black Entrepreneurship
by Keka Araújo

December 18, 2025

Elevate Your Excellence: Jay Bailey Is The Architect Of Opportunity And The Global Blueprint For Black Entrepreneurship

In 2016, President Barack Obama further solidified this legacy by awarding him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless volunteerism.

In the heart of a city long defined by its civil rights heritage and economic ambition, James “Jay” Bailey is drafting the next chapter of the American Dream. 

As the president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Bailey does not merely lead an organization; he stewards a $50 million economic engine—the largest center in the world explicitly dedicated to empowering, scaling, and advancing the success of Black entrepreneurs.

Living by the poignant motto, “Build As We Climb,” Bailey has transformed 70,000 square feet of real estate into a sanctuary for innovation. Under his leadership, RICE has become a lighthouse for more than 500 entrepreneurs, directly fueling the creation of more than 2,000 sustained jobs in the Metro Atlanta area. It is a mission rooted in the legacy of the late Herman J. Russell, Sr., aimed at closing the wealth gap through tangible business growth and job creation.

An Atlanta native and a devoted Georgia Bulldog, Bailey’s trajectory has been marked by a commitment to service that has caught the attention of the highest offices in the land. 

Three U.S. Presidents have recognized his leadership. In 2012, he was honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change,” cited explicitly for following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In 2016, President Barack Obama further solidified Bailey’s legacy by awarding him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless volunteerism.

Bailey’s influence extends far beyond the walls of RICE. As a managing partner at Greenwood Archer, a minority-owned private equity firm, he actively directs capital toward forward-looking ventures. His October 2023 TED Talk on entrepreneurs “unlocking their full potential” further cemented his status as a global thought leader, providing a masterclass for aspiring founders on turning vision into institutional reality.

Bailey’s board service reads like a directory of Georgia’s most influential institutions. From the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Georgia Forestry Foundation to his role as Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank’s Next Generation Advisory Board, he is a constant presence where strategy meets community impact.

His accolades reflect a career of consistent excellence. Named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “POWER 100” and recognized by Atlanta Magazine as one of the city’s 500 most powerful leaders in January, Bailey remains grounded in the organizations that shaped him. 

“Congratulations to our President & CEO, Jay Bailey, on being named one of Atlanta Magazine’s top 500 Most Powerful Leaders of 2025. Jay’s visionary leadership continues to push boundaries, create uncommon access, and empower Black entrepreneurs across Atlanta and beyond. @atlantamagazine We’re proud to have him leading the RICE movement and shaping a stronger, more equitable future for all. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees,” the celebratory Instagram post expressed. 

He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, embodying the mentorship and brotherhood essential to the “Build As We Climb” philosophy.

Through every endeavor, Bailey remains a “change agent” in the truest sense. Alongside his wife, NBC News Correspondent Blayne Alexander, he represents a modern era of Atlanta leadership—one that is as savvy in the boardroom as it is dedicated to the neighborhood.

For Bailey, the goal is not just to see Black businesses survive but to ensure they dominate their respective industries. By providing the resources to inspire, innovate, and scale, he is undoubtedly ensuring that the wealth created today becomes the foundation for generations to come.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: Ariel Co-CEO Mellody Hobson Continues Push For Black Economic Empowerment

tow truck driver, girl, arrest
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Florida Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Allegedly Towing Car With 4-Year-Old Inside

Sergio Suarez, 34, was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

A Florida tow truck driver has been charged with a felony for driving off with a 4-year-old girl as the father tried to intervene.

The incident was caught on surveillance video.

According to 7 News Miami, 34-year-old Sergio Suarez was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. The incident took place in front of a restaurant in Sunrise, Florida.

As the vehicle owner went into a restaurant to pick up food, a video shows that, after he entered, the tow truck immediately lifted the car and drove away.

The father chased the truck, shouting at the driver that his daughter was in the car. He banged on the front window, telling the driver to stop, but the driver accelerated and drove off.

A moment later, the 4-year-old was seen leaving the moving car. The father retrieved his child, who suffered minor bruises to her arms and legs.

Police officers caught up with Suarez and arrested him. After retrieving the car and the girl, the police gave the father the keys to his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Dec. 14, and Suarez appeared in court before Broward Circuit Court Judge Corey Friedman the next day. “This is one that stuck out to me this morning,” Friedman said. “He towed a vehicle, allegedly, without checking whether or not there was anybody in the vehicle.”

Suarez’s attorney told the judge that his client checked the car three times and said no one was in the vehicle when he towed the car. He added his partner, “a spotter,” also looked at the car.

The judge disputed that. “He admitted that he didn’t look at the vehicle, and I think it’s also on surveillance,” Friedman said.

Suarez is currently out on bond.

RELATED CONTENT: Video Reveals Tow Truck Driver Repossessing Dying Man’s Vehicle Right After Cops Allegedly Shoot Him

Walmart,razor, arrested, woman
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Woman Arrested For Allegedly Putting Razor Blades In Bread At Walmart Stores

Camille Benson is accused of allegedly placing razor blades into loaves of bread at two Walmart in Biloxi, Mississippi

A 33-year-old woman, Camille Benson, has been arrested after being accused of allegedly placing razor blades into loaves of bread at several Walmart stores in Mississippi.

According to The Associated Press, Benson was arrested Dec. 16 and charged with attempted mayhem for allegedly committing the heinous act at two Biloxi Walmarts. A judge set her bond at $100,000. The alleged tampering took place at a Walmart Supercenter and a Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Benson is currently at the Harrison County Jail.

Employees from both stores reported that customers found the razor blades after purchasing the loaves of bread. The first report was made on Dec. 5 at the Walmart Supercenter, and the second on Dec. 8 at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

A customer informed the Supercenter on Dec. 14 that one of the loaves had been tampered with. The Biloxi Police Department was contacted the next day after employees discovered that additional loaves of bread had also been tampered with during their inspection of the merchandise.

The Biloxi Police Department believes that these are the only stores targeted and does not think any other stores have been targeted.

People reported recent incidents based on a police statement it received.

“On December 15, 2025 the Biloxi Police Department responded to a retail location in the 2600 Block of CT Switzer Sr. Dr. Biloxi, MS, 39531 in response to patrons finding razor blades in loaves of bread that were displayed for sale located inside of the store,” the police said in a written statement. “On the same date Biloxi Police Officers also responded to the 2000 Block of Pass Rd. for the same complaint.”

Walmart also issued a statement regarding the incidents in Biloxi.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart said in a written statement to The Associated Press. “We have removed and thoroughly inspected all potentially affected products at impacted stores in Biloxi. We appreciate law enforcement for their swift action and will continue cooperating with them as they investigate.”

Customers have been warned that if they purchased a product that has been tampered with, they should throw it out and visit their local Walmart for a full refund, the company said.

RELATED CONTENT: Hold The Pepper Spray! DoorDash Driver Banned After Being Caught On Camera Tampering With Food Order… Allegedly

Obama, Trump
by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Obama Obsessed: An Aging Trump Still Compares Himself to His Greatest Adversary

The current commander-in-chief recounted a conversation in which the former White House physician compared the health of former presidents.

Donald Trump said a former White House physician told him he is “by far the healthiest” president when compared with former President Barack Obama.

Trump made the comments Dec. 16 during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. While introducing Rep. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as White House physician, Trump was moved to speak.

The current commander-in-chief recounted a conversation in which Jackson was asked to compare the health of presidents he had treated.

“Ronny was asked, ‘Who’s the healthiest of all? Was it Barack Hussein Obama? Was it Sleepy Joe Biden? Or was it Donald Trump?’” Trump recounted at the event. “And he said ‘Trump was by far the healthiest.’”

Trump added, “He was the doctor for all three of us, and he said Trump was by far the healthiest. I love him.”

Jackson served as White House physician during the end of Obama’s presidency. He continued to serve in the early years of Trump’s first term. Though Trump claims Jackson made a comparison to Biden, the physician did not serve in that role during President Biden’s administration.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed attention to his own medical history. He has a visible gut, has been caught sleeping during multiple televised meetings, and his skin is often discolored, though the reason behind the condition remains undisclosed.

Current White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella described the results as “perfectly normal.” However, Trump was diagnosed earlier this year with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs.

Comments and critiques about former presidents are a normal occurrence during the Trump presidency. Unfortunately, decorum is a lost art, and seemingly, Trump’s pettiness extends beyond mere words.

As the White House undergoes a $400 million renovation, new features are being added daily, including the latest addition, “The White House Walk of Fame.” The walk displays images of multiple presidents accompanied by an informative plaque. For political rivals of Trump, i.e., Obama and Biden, the inscriptions are less than flattering. The former presidents are described using extremely partisan language and nicknames far below their previous stations. Images of the plaques have been shared on social media.

One plaque under a depiction of former President Joe Biden reads, “Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History… Nicknamed both “Sleepy” and “Crooked,” Joe Biden was dominated by his Radical Left handlers.”

The plaque beneath former President Barack Obama’s portrait describes him as “one of the most divisive political figures in American History.” It goes on to negatively frame Obama’s two-term presidency.

And it comes as no shock to many that Trump drafted many of the inscriptions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the uncouth descriptions, stating, “They are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind.”

RELATED CONTENT: Sometimes It Be Your Own People: White House Chief Of Staff Susie Wiles Airs Out Trump And Others  

leather, luxury brand
by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Major Retailers Are Charging Shoppers Return Fees For Purchased Items

Companies' claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking.

Many major U.S. retailers are opting to charge fees for returned items this holiday season. Most in-person returns are still free, but as online shopping becomes increasingly popular, mailed returns come at a cost. The new shift in retail return policies could influence how customers shop and send back purchases.

JCPenney now charges $8 per returned package, and J.Crew charges $7.50, among other stores and online retailers that have introduced similar fees to offset the costs of processing returns. Retailers, including Zara, charge $4.95 per return request.

Many companies claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking. According to the National Retail Federation, “total returns for the retail industry are projected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025.” Charging a return fee for even a small fraction of the cost will yield a pretty penny for corporations.

Fees for mailed returns are now common, with many retailers deducting the charge from the total refund when an item is sent back by mail rather than returned in-store. While common, it is certainly inconvenient for those receiving gifts. The fees also present problems for customers who purchased low-priced items. 

The new return fees reflect the desire of retailers to maximize profit, even at the literal cost of the consumer. Lowering the costs associated with reverse logistics — the handling, inspection, and restocking of returned merchandise — in the age of online shopping is a prudent place to profit.

For shoppers, that means evaluating return policies before completing a purchase. Additionally, customers should consider alternatives such as in-store returns, which often avoid fees. Those hoping to save on return items will also be more selective before adding to the cart. A little more time will need to be spent evaluating items more likely to fit and meet expectations on first delivery. 

RELATED CONTENT: 12 Ways To Cut Holiday Shopping Costs As Spending Estimated To Surpass $1 Trillion

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2025

Mount Vernon Cop On Dialysis Terminated Months Before Retirement, Ending Health Coverage

A Mount Vernon cop on dialysis is calling out the department for terminating him just months ahead of his retirement.

A Mount Vernon, New York, police officer with 19 years on the force is speaking out after receiving a termination notice just six months before retirement—a decision that jeopardizes his health benefits as he undergoes dialysis and waits for a kidney transplant.

Despite medical clearance to perform light-duty assignments at work, the department informed Derek Williams that he is unable to work and will be terminated on Dec. 31, ABC 7 NY reports. Williams, 45, shared his story alongside retired Mount Vernon officers who rallied in support of him.

A former member of the Elite Emergency Service Unit, Williams contracted COVID-19 in 2020 after months of working double shifts. Although doctors approved him for desk duty, the department classified his kidney failure as a non-job-related illness, denied his request for dialysis and accommodation, and halted his pay once he became too ill to work, leaving him just months short of qualifying for a reduced pension.

“I do nine hours of dialysis, seven days a week, to maintain my health. Without that, I wouldn’t survive,” Williams said.

“Derek’s character caused him to come to work to support this city and the residents of this city during the worst pandemic that we’ve had,” said Shawn Harris, the former Mount Vernon police commissioner.

After receiving notice of his termination during the holiday season, Williams pleaded to keep his job, but his request was denied.

“I begged for my job back. I begged to come in whatever hours I’m capable of doing, and I was told there’s no light duty for me,” Williams said.

Williams is now speaking publicly as he awaits a decision on his application for a state disability pension while remaining on the kidney transplant waiting list.

“I just feel like they have no empathy, they have no compassion,” Williams said.

“To be blunt, if you’re terminating his employment, you’re terminating his life, in so many words,” Harris added.

RELATED CONTENT: Baltimore Police Officer Indicted For Chasing Down, Hitting Black Man With Police Vehicle

Obama Center
by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Obama Presidential Center Installation Will Celebrate The Beauty Of Black Women

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building,

Artist Theaster Gates has been commissioned to create a major new artwork for the Obama Presidential Center, which centers on Black Women and Beauty. 

Gates’s commission reflects his ongoing practice of elevating archives and everyday materials to celebrate Black cultural legacy. The artist and curator sources material from historical outlets such as the Johnson Publishing Company. The installations aim to add to the cultural and civic narrative of the nearly 20-acre campus set to open on Chicago’s South Side in spring 2026.

“The palette that I use is often materials that I find in the world. They carry so many stories. I’m often playing with photographs and archives to try to arrest all of these histories and bring them forward and make them interesting. It was amazing that I was tapped to create a permanent installation at the Obama Center. I was really proud. The project will pull from this wellspring of amazing historic Black images, particularly the Johnson Publishing Company’s archive. I will focus on Black women. And those will kind of demonstrate the ways in which Black folk have contributed to the political, social and economic fabric of our country,” Gates said in a promotional video by the Obama Foundation.

The long, two-part frieze will feature images printed on aluminum alloy and will be installed in the Forum Building’s interior space.

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building. The area is named in memory of the Chicago teenager who marched in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration parade before her death from gun violence.

The installation’s subjects focus on the power and resilience of everyday life, especially emphasizing Black women and collective labor. Its concept is part of the Obama Foundation’s mission to integrate art throughout the presidential center’s civic spaces. The Obama Presidential Center includes a museum, a library, an education and community space, and commemorates the presidency of Barack Obama. 

Gates, a Chicago native and founder of the Rebuild Foundation, has long used art and architecture to highlight and preserve cultural heritage, including community-driven projects such as the Stony Island Arts Bank and Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative. 

His commission for the presidential center furthers his commitment to bringing together art, history, and architecture.

RELATED CONTENT: Former President Barack Obama Details Official Opening Of His Presidential Center

×