by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 16, 2025

SPIDER WARS? DoorDash Driver Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Customer’s Food, Claims She Was Attacking Arachnid

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana

The DoorDash worker seen on surveillance video allegedly spraying a substance on a food order she delivered is in police custody. Her reason for spraying the bag? She claims that she was spraying at a spider.

According to a news release by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Kourtney Stevenson has been arrested. She is facing charges of two counts of Battery Resulting in Moderate Injury as Level 6 felonies and two counts of Consumer Product Tampering as Level 5 felonies.

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana, sometime after midnight Dec. 7. Mark Cardin, who placed the DoorDash order from Arby’s that night, said he brought it into the house. As his wife started eating, she had trouble breathing. When he saw her struggling, he went to investigate the bag.

After viewing the bag, he noticed the delivery person had sprayed it. He then reviewed the security camera footage and confirmed that Steveneson had sprayed the bag. He then contacted DoorDash and the police department.

Detectives from the police department then subpoenaed DoorDash records, which identified Stevenson as the delivery driver. After contacting her, she agreed to be interviewed by officers. During the phone call, she admitted to detectives that she did use pepper spray on the bag. However, she told them she did it because she saw a spider, which she is scared of.

Police stated that the overnight temperature was 35 degrees, and spiders in Indiana would not be outside at that temperature and would not be “capable of crawling on exposed surfaces.”

Stevenson later called back to inform them that she would not come in for an interview as scheduled. After issuing a warrant for her arrest, authorities in McCracken County, Kentucky, detained Stevenson the following morning. She is being held without bond pending extradition to Indiana.

“Residents should be able to trust that the food they order for their families is safe,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “When someone violates that trust and endangers others, we will respond with urgency, and we will pursue charges. I want to commend our detectives and also thank the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office and Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in making this arrest.”

RV, RV park, Josh Grady, Georgia, Warthen RV Park

by Mary Spiller

December 16, 2025

Houston-Based BLK Beetles Expands From Podcast Into Connecting People of Color with the Great Outdoors

What began as a storytelling platform has evolved into a growing movement creating culturally safe outdoor spaces—with plans to expand beyond Texas in 2026.

BLK Beetles, a Houston-based collective focused on reconnecting people of color with nature and community, is entering a new phase of growth after launching what leaders describe as its most ambitious effort yet: the BLK Beetles Collective.

The Houston-based group, which began as a podcast in 2021, has evolved into an organization that hosts outdoor meetups, creative workshops, and storytelling projects that emphasize belonging and cultural safety. Since its founding, BLK Beetles has engaged more than 1,400 participants through running crews, guided hikes, birdwatching events, and its digital platform, BLK Beetles StoryHouse.

“People weren’t just eager to hear stories of belonging; they were eager to live them,” said co-founder Samad Hinton told Blavity. “That realization pushed us to widen our focus. Our communities needed real spaces where people of color could rediscover the joy, possibility, and healing that comes from being connected to one another.”

The expansion comes as research continues to show disparities in access to green space. Hinton noted that communities of color are “nearly three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas.” So they’re eager to re-engage with nature, but often arrive at outdoor events with concerns about safety and acceptance.

BLK Beetles addresses those concerns by designing programming through what leaders call a “cultural safety lens.” In a recent partnership with REI, the group hosted skill-building workshops to lower barriers to outdoor participation.

According to Hinton, participants shared how identity and lived experience influence where—and with whom—they feel comfortable recreating. “This affirmed that the outdoors is not a neutral space,” he said.

As reported by Blavity, co-lead Kelly Hubbell-Hinton said the shift can be transformative once people find a welcoming environment. She described an early member who joined a running group seeking connection and later helped develop a women-of-color running series focused on safety. That participant eventually trained alongside others to complete her first 25K trail race.

“People arrive unsure, and then open up,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “They begin to see nature as a place where they can move freely and genuinely belong.”

In October 2025, BLK Beetles formally launched the BLK Beetles Collective, offering recurring outdoor gatherings and creative programming for adults of color. Leaders say the effort was made possible through support from the adidas Community Lab, which provided funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

“The Community Lab helped us see that culturally safe, welcoming outdoor spaces can become the standard, not the exception,” Hinton said.

With new infrastructure in place, BLK Beetles plans to expand to Albuquerque in 2026. As the group grows, its leaders say their mission remains rooted in combating isolation and loneliness.

“One in five adults in the U.S. feels lonely on a daily basis,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “Our role is to remind people they don’t have to move through life alone.”

racist, protestor, GOP, Wesley Hunt, Texas

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 16, 2025

Black-On-Black Crimes: Wesley Hunt Accuses Tim Scott Staffer Of Racism Over ‘Ashy’ Comment

Neither Scott nor his office have yet to provide a response.

A simple comment of Rep. Wesley Hunt’s (R-TX) appearance has turned into accusations of racism against the staff member of another Black Republican, Sen. Tim Scott (SC).

Hunt is accusing Jennifer DeCasper, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), who is also Black, of using a “racist trope” after she commented on a photo of Hunt at a White House Christmas celebration. “Those gray ankles got dude looking like he just did a tap-dance routine in a bag of flour,” DeCasper wrote on X.

Those gray ankles got dude looking like he just did a tap-dance routine in a bag of flour. https://t.co/R8m1jya4Xb
— Jennifer DeCasper (@d3casp3r) December 12, 2025

Hunt, who is running for Senator in Texas, called DeCasper’s comment “really unfortunate” on the social platform, and expounded in a statement saying he was disheartened to see comments from a staff member working for Scott, the longest-serving Black U.S. senator.

“As a Black Republican, I am no stranger to vile and racist tropes aimed at my family and me. Historically, those attacks have come almost exclusively from the radical left,” Hunt said, according to 24Sight News. “That is why it is both surprising and deeply disheartening to now see similar behavior coming from individuals serving at the NRSC under Senator Tim Scott. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can do better.”

Comments under the post supported Hunt’s sentiments, while other Republican strategists labeled the comment as being tone-deaf and insensitive. “While the party tries to recruit minorities, they are making jokes about a minority congressman,” one anonymous strategist said.

Neither Scott nor his office has yet to provide a response.

Hunt is running against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Scott has endorsed Cornyn. The primary is set for March 3. Whomever advances will face he Democratic nominee: Lone Star state Reps. James Talarico or Jasmine Crockett.

Interestingly enough, Hunt, in a clear example of holding himself to a higher standard, took to social media to berate Crockett, saying that her being in the race turns it into “Real Housewives of ATL for the sake of someone’s documentary deal. But here we are… and let’s be honest, Jasmine Crockett is in this race because John Cornyn refused to get out of it,” he wrote on X with a video of the lawmaker speaking on a panel.

“Cornyn invited this circus. His entire strategy now is to split the GOP vote, limp into a general, and hope Texans forget the last 20 years of votes that look like they came straight out of a Democrat caucus room.”

Texas voters deserve better than watching a U.S. Senate race turn into Real Housewives of ATL for the sake of someone’s documentary deal.

But here we are… and let’s be honest, Jasmine Crockett is in this race because John Cornyn refused to get out of it.

Cornyn invited this… pic.twitter.com/MKPBgTeiXX
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) December 9, 2025

He should maybe be more concerned with the views of voters in Texas. Critics have latched onto his Congress attendance record, suggesting a slow path to victory in the Senate race.

by Mitti Hicks

December 16, 2025

Black-Owned Golden Krust Invests Over $18,000 To Jamaican Farmers For Hurricane Recovery

Hurricane Melissa destroyed most of Jamaica’s agriculturally productive areas, resulting in estimated losses and damages of approximately $180 million.

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurants, the Black family-owned Jamaican brand, has announced a J$3 million ($18,760) agricultural recovery initiative to support small farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The investment, made in partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica, will provide direct support to 10 farmers in St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Mary, and Manchester. These areas experienced significant crop loss, flooding, and infrastructure damage when the Category 5 storm made landfall on the island on Oct. 28, 2025.

Each farmer selected will receive J$300,000 worth of seedlings, equipment, and essential farming supplies to replant and restore their farms.

“Hurricane Melissa severely affected families and farmers across Jamaica, and we recognize how difficult it has been for many to restart after such a significant loss,” Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, Golden Krust CEO, stated in a news release. “This is just the beginning of an ongoing rehabilitation effort.”

Jamaican Farmers Rebuilding Following Historic Storm

Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic and historic damage in Jamaica. Described as the worst hurricane since records began, the storm killed at least 45 people and left hundreds of thousands in precarious living conditions.

The World Bank estimates $8.8 billion in physical damage, roughly 41% of the country’s GDP. According to the United Nations, 36% of homes in the western part of the country were either damaged or destroyed. Nearly half a million people are reportedly left in precarious conditions, facing profound uncertainty.

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture points out, Hurricane Melissa destroyed most of Jamaica’s agriculturally productive areas, resulting in estimated losses and damages of approximately $180 million.

“As the Government of Jamaica begins its recovery efforts, the immediate and medium-term risks of food shortages remain a serious concern,” the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service stated.

Jamaican farmers said Golden Krust’s support could not have come at a better time and described the investments as “immeasurable.”

“We know we have a partner who is not only just talk, but who takes action, and that is where the rubber meets the road,” said Luke Lee, director of Clarendon-based Gen Paradise Company Limited.

Pollman Tours, kenya,,Aliko Dangote,tourism

by Mary Spiller

December 16, 2025

Africa’s Richest Man Says Planned Oil Refinery Listing Aims To Put Ownership In Nigerian Hands

Africa’s richest businessman says the proposed stock market debut of his $20 billion oil refinery is about legacy, not control, and will allow Nigerians at home and abroad to share in its profits.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote says his plan to list his $20 billion oil refinery on the stock exchange is driven by a desire to make everyday Nigerians part-owners of one of the country’s most ambitious industrial projects.

In a recent interview with members of the press, Dangote said the proposed listing of the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery is not about retaining dominance over the asset, but about creating long-term shared value.

“At the moment, our main interest is to list on the exchange, so that every living Nigerian can own part of the refinery,” he said.

Dangote made clear that he is not concerned about maintaining a controlling stake once shares are offered. When asked how much equity he plans to sell, he said there would be no fixed limit. “Somebody asked me a question, is it 5 or 10% you want to sell?” Dangote said. “And I said that when we are going to sell the shares, we will not put a cap. If they happen to buy 55% and I own 45%, so be it.”

The refinery, located outside Lagos, is the largest of its kind in Africa and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to reduce fuel imports and strengthen domestic energy production. Dangote described the facility as a legacy project, saying broad ownership would allow citizens to directly benefit from its long-term performance.

“The thing is about legacy,” he said. “I want Nigerians to own this, and I want every single Nigerian, when the refinery does well, for them to always be able to rely on the profit of that refinery.”

Dangote emphasized that participation would not be limited to wealthy investors. “The main point is for us to sell to every living Nigerian who has something, even if it’s ten shares you buy or 20,” he said.

He also said the opportunity would extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. When asked whether Nigerians in the diaspora could participate, Dangote responded simply, “Yes.” To reinforce that commitment, he said dividends would be paid in U.S. dollars. “We are going to make sure that we pay the dividend in dollars, because a major chunk of ourselves is in dollars,” he said.

Dangote first publicly outlined plans to sell shares in the refinery in July during the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets in Abuja. At the event, he said preparations were already underway for a listing that would allow individuals and institutions to invest.

“Very soon, the refinery will be listed to give all Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders,” Dangote said at the time, adding that his broader vision is for Africa to refine the petroleum products it consumes “right here on the soil of Africa.”

Trump, meme, Barack Obama, Sherrill, campaign, Virginia, New Jersey

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 16, 2025

Barack Obama To Dems: ‘Focus On Midterms,’ Encouraging Party To Regain Control Of House

Ahead of the hot-ticketed primary season which could switch control of the U.S. House of Representatives given the results of elections in states like Texas, North Carolina and others, Obama says that should be the focus.

Former President Barack Obama knows a thing or two about winning elections, so he took some time to encourage the Democratic Party to focus on the 2026 midterm elections rather than the divisive ideologies being pushed by Republicans, ABC News reported.

Ahead of the hotly anticipated midterm season, which could shift control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and given the results of elections in states like Texas, North Carolina, and others, Obama said that should be the focus. The banter between parties can be dealt with afterwards. “Because I promise, when that gets done, we have enormous talent, and we are then going to be in a position, as the next presidential campaign ramps up, to sort through some of the differences,” Obama said at an event hosted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in an effort to support House Democrats.

“Our job is to focus like a laser on this upcoming election. That’s the short term.”

The two-term former president acknowledged that the Party’s “differences aren’t that big,” but with social media being the way of the world, things can get taken out of context. American voters have witnessed social media platforms taking over viewpoints in an effort to shift things in favor of one party or the other. However, Democrats have certainly proved that they are still well in the fight – and that voters are seeking a change.

High-powered elections, like those for the mayors of New York City and Miami, and the governors of Virginia and New Jersey, are evidence. Zohran Mamdani became the Big Apple’s first Muslim and youngest mayor in the city’s history. At the same time, Eileen Higgins will lead Miami as the first woman in the city’s history to hold the title, in addition to being the first Democrat in 28 years.

Victories overstepped a growing divide over funding and the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, after eight Democratic Senators voted to end the longest government shutdown in history without subsidies expansion, sparking criticism from other party members.

But the former Illinois senator argued that there are leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders who want to see Americans live better and afford basic necessities. “If we bring energy and clarity and commitment to talking about things like affordability and making sure people have health care when they need it, and that they have the ability, if they work hard, to be able to support a family and create a better future for their children and their grandchildren … when we deliver that message, it resonates with people, and we have to have confidence in that,” Obama said.

As Obama has stepped up to vow for Democratic leadership in recent months, campaigning for now Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial elects- Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, he wants to make sure the party is left in good hands from the midterm season and beyond. His speech was the second time since 2019 in his post-presidency, according to Politico, that Obama met with freshman Democrats, making the “move from player to coach” as mentioned on a recent episode of the Marc Maron podcast.

A close source to the former president said his goal “is to build a sustainable Democratic Party that can survive without him.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 16, 2025

How Comments About Rob Reiner’s Alleged Murder Reminds America Who Trump Really Is

America shouldn't be too taken back by the commentary as it's seemingly the same old song and dance.

While Hollywood and movie lovers around the world mourn the loss of actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, President Donald Trump reminded America it should be all about him with his insensitive and harsh commentary.

Reiner, known for his work on award-winning works like “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally” and most recently, “The Bear,” was found dead in his home along with his wife Dec. 14. As the news made headlines, Trump decided to put in his two cents as Reiner was an outspoken critic of the indicted leader.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump blamed the crime on the Hollywood legend, saying it was caused by something called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” “Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS,” he wrote.

“He was known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump….”

Donald Trump is a disturbed, sick, narcissistic, evil, sack of shit. Rob Reiner was a better man than he’ll ever be. pic.twitter.com/CW8CO0ktR7
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) December 15, 2025

Following almost immediate criticism from all ends, Trump doubled down on his comment during an Oval Office press conference. “Well, I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned,” Trump said regarding the “All in the Family” actor.

Q: Republicans have denounced your statement on Rob Reiner. Do you stand by it?

Trump: “I wasn’t a fan of his. He was a deranged person.”

The man was murdered in his own home and this is the president’s response.

No empathy. No restraint. Just cruelty, even in death. pic.twitter.com/EnKyGEdFEZ
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) December 15, 2025

Democrat and Republican lawmakers, as well as members of the Hollywood community, shunned the president’s comments, with even some of his most loyal fans, like Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), labeling it “wrong.” “Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period,” he said, according to ABC News.

However, America shouldn’t be too taken aback by the rhetoric, as it’s seemingly par for the course with Trump. Trump has a history of embracing violence, especially when it caters to those who go against him. Think back to Jan. 6, 2021. The country witnessed several antagonists attacking the U.S. Capitol building in the name of “democracy.” Trump, upon his return to office for a second term, pardoned a number of participants who incited harm against elected officials and law enforcement.

He did the same years prior, shortly after getting elected. When a man rammed his vehicle into a crowd of peaceful protestors who were standing behind the Charlottesville, Virginia City Council’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a public park, Trump labeled the white nationalists who took over the town as “some very fine people.”

So the question remains, why is America surprised by Trump’s comments on Reiner’s murder?

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 16, 2025

Internet Side-Eyes 21 Savage For Including R. Kelly Sample On New Album Track

The rapper included the hook from Kelly's own song of the same name.

21 Savage is facing backlash for using an R. Kelly sample on one of his latest album’s songs.

The final track on his “What Happened To The Streets?” album left some fans wondering about the sampling choice from the disgraced R&B singer. The song, titled “I Wish,” uses the same chorus as Kelly’s song.

Upon the album’s Dec. 12 release, listeners questioned why 21 would include Kelly’s music. However, like Kelly’s vision for the song to pay tribute to deceased loved ones, 21 Savage’s version honors rappers who have died.

“I wish Dolph would’ve Uber Eats them cookies instead/ I wish Nipsey stayed at home with Lauren, chilled in the bed,” 21 Savage expressed on the track. “You could probably make a ocean from the tears people shed/ But you know it bring hate, dog, when you get ahead.”

He mentioned other rappers taken from gun violence, also adding, “I wish Takeoff got sick and had to stay in Atlanta.”

However, since Kelly’s indictment on charges of sex trafficking, child abuse, and more, many have tuned out the incarcerated singer’s music. Some naysayers think it will keep his controversial legacy alive for future generations, believing his art should remain behind bars with him. Kelly is currently serving a 31-year prison sentence.

This nigga 21 Savage got an R Kelly sample on his album?!?! Damn niggas gotta stop
— Mr. Mayor (@LaplaceMayor) December 12, 2025

Others were caught off guard by the sample, which they said ruined their listening experience.

I was enjoying this 21 savage album til I heard this R. Kelly sample
— DeLa (@_jdela) December 12, 2025

Critics view it as a way to minimize R. Kelly’s harm toward women and young girls, as many of his victims were underage. However, one noted a silver lining that all his music royalties go toward the abuse victims.

Sampling R. Kelly in 2025 is a dusty ass choice, 21 Savage. The only redemption is all of R. Kelly’s royalties go to his victims.
— Echo (@EchoDoesRadio) December 13, 2025

While 21 Savage has yet to address why he chose to include Kelly’s music, he has inserted his opinions on other music-affiliated controversies, such as “snitching” and the infamous beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

21 Savage says that you can’t be a rat for snitching on a dead person 🤔

“If I go on a move with my man, and my man don’t make it, boy, everything in this car, boy, everything we just did, he did it.” pic.twitter.com/bUE4SQ1HlP
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) December 12, 2025

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 16, 2025

Connecticut Family Launches GoFundMe To Tip Waitress Who Comforted Cranky Toddler While Working

The parents of a toddler who was comforted by a TGI Friday’s waitress at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport have launched a GoFundMe in her honor.

A family who passed through Atlanta’s busy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has launched a GoFundMe in order to “tip” the friendly TGI Friday’s waitress who comforted their 2-year-old son while she worked.

The waitress, Brittany Bell, was caught on video lending a hand and became a viral star.

“While on our layover, my husband and I stopped to eat with our three kids (all under 5 years old),” explained the toddler’s mother, Chalaine Scott in the fundraiser appeal. “It had already been a long day of traveling, and my 2-year-old was on the verge of a meltdown. As she walked by, she saw him crying, stopped in her tracks, put her arms out to him and said, ‘C’mon, ain’t no crying in here, let’s go get a treat!’”

Scott said her typically shy toddler immediately warmed up to Bell, finding comfort in her arms as she juggled other tables.

“The mom says Bell turned a stressful travel moment into a reminder that it really does ‘take a village’ sometimes, and that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference,” a post on X read.

TGI Fridays waitress at Atlanta Airport named Bell went way beyond her job description for a stressed mom and her toddler. When the two-year-old started crying and was on the verge of a meltdown, Bell gently picked him up, walked him over to get strawberries and soothed him, all… pic.twitter.com/SSCyox7Zde
— A Miller (@amilleraz0) December 11, 2025

After the touching moment went viral, viewers flooded the family with requests to tip Bell. In the GoFundMe description, Scott applauded Bell for embodying the kindness and compassion that still exist in the world.

“The world is full of so much hate and division, so when you find someone who’s just pure JOY, they can really make an impact,” Scott wrote. “Bell is spreading love and giving everyone a much-needed reminder that there is still good in the world! People like you are what this world needs more of! Now’s our chance to bless you like you’ve blessed us, ‘Waitress Bell’.”

The fundraiser, set for $13,000, currently sits at nearly $12,000.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 16, 2025

Tia Kemp Gets Straight To The Bag, Charging Stylist Two Stacks To Do Her Hair

Getting paid to get your hair done is the newest stream of income for Kemp.

Tia Kemp is about the Benjamins. One way is by charging stylists for the opportunity to do her hair.

The media personality and Rick Ross’ baby mother is helping the hair girls get exposure, but at a cost. The internet’s self-proclaimed “Yuntie” spoke about her latest hairstyle at a Florida-based beauty salon. Kemp was seen getting ready to receive her style, wearing a wig cap, with the paying stylist in the clip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tia Kemp (@yuntietiaback)

“4th chair! I’m in Motherf-ckin Polk County with it, baby, yes. Lakeland to be exact…Wait till y’all see this sh-t lay round,” Kemp said in the video.

In the description, Kemp described that she received a couple of stacks to promote Memorial Beauty Bar, or $2,222.22 to be exact.

Fans in the comments expressed their own shock at the hefty price to touch Kemp’s head.

One inquired about why the stylists would pay up to do her hair. “[Because] she putting them on, her following increase daily… think about how many clients they gon get. Auntie just making her coins too,” another commenter explained.

Others also co-signed the venture, stating that they would cough up the coins to get their stylings Yuntie-approved.

One joked, “[Not going to lie] if ima pay anybody to let me do they hair for promo it’s gone be Yuntie.”

Someone else noted how much Kemp could earn if she continued to capitalize on this money-making opportunity: “Damn, all she needs is to do is let 450 girls do her hair over time, and she can make a million dollars off people doing HER hair!!! The game has OFFICIALLY changed.”

The new income stream may not stop her from still trying to get Ross to pay child support. She took her co-parenting woes to the internet last year.