by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 10, 2025

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

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana is investigating the incident

A DoorDash driver in Indiana has been banned from the app after a customer’s doorbell camera revealed that she had allegedly pepper-sprayed the order before dropping it off.

According to 14 News, the incident was caught on camera at an Evansville, Indiana, house sometime after midnight Dec. 7. Mark Cardin, who placed the Arby’s order that night and brought it into the house, says that his wife, as she started eating, had trouble breathing. When he saw her struggling, he went to investigate the bag.

“I noticed my wife had started eating, and she started choking and gasping, and after she had a couple of bites of her food, she actually threw up,” he told the media outlet. “I had a look at the bag and seen that there was some kind of spray or something. The bag had been tampered with.”

What he saw on the video surprised him.

“So I pulled up my doorbell camera and seen that the lady who dropped the food off had actually tampered with it on purpose for some reason.”

Cardin contacted DoorDash, and his next contact was with police officers. He said the food delivery company issued a refund, but did not seem to take the accusation seriously; however, they did ban the driver. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the driver and is expecting to bring charges against her. He posted a video showing her spraying liquid, now known to be pepper spray, on the bag before leaving it for the house’s occupants.

Cardin said the deliverer blocked him on the app when he tried to contact her, so he posted on his Facebook page to identify the pepper-spray bandit and hold her accountable.

“Hey everyone, check out my Dasher Kourtney that sprayed stuff all over my food that I have no idea what it is, and that could poison my family because I have no idea what it is. DoorDash thinks it’s a joke. Kourtney already blocked me on the DoorDash app. I couldn’t even message her. Somebody’s getting sued.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 10, 2025

WNBA Powerhouse A’Ja Wilson Is The Time Magazine 2025 Athlete Of The Year

Wilson is the second Black women to receive the lauded status.

A’Ja Wilson, one of the greatest athletes in the history of basketball, has a new title to add to her resume.

The WNBA champion is Time Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year. Wilson stands as the second Black women to earn the coveted title. Famed gymnast Simone Biles also received the marker in 2021.

Her recognition marks a significant milestone for Black women athletes, as Wilson has dominated the WNBA with her skillset and multiple championship titles. As she celebrates her third WNBA Finals win with the Las Vegas Aces, the all-star and four-time league MVP has another achievement under her belt.

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A post shared by TIME (@time)

However, the honor seems more than deserved given Wilson’s stacked list of accolades. She remains not only a three-time WNBA champion, but also reigns as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, six-time WNBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. According to ESPN, the 29-year-old is also the first player in WNBA history to win a championship, Finals MVP, league MVP, and DPOY in the same season.

While the awards remain abundant, Wilson lets her work on the court do most of the talking. She does not let the crown get to her, but also believes in giving credit where credit’s due.

“When you’ve collected everything, that’s Thanos,” shared Wilson in an interview with Time. “I mean crap. I kind of let my game do it. This was my biggest moment of doing it, because no one’s ever done what I’ve done. And I think people really needed to understand that.”

At the beginning of this year, many doubted that Wilson could continue a legacy that had already been solidified. Despite proving the naysayers wrong, the criticism drove her to reach new levels of her game.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to get knocked down to get built back up,” expressed Wilson. “I think 2025 was a wake-up call that I needed, to let me know that I can’t be satisfied with anything. There’s somebody out there that’s going to try to take your job. You need to make sure you’re great at it, every single day.”

The 6-foot-4-inch center faced similar opposition in a different capacity. She faced bouts of racism while growing up as a young Black girl in Columbia, South Carolina. She also navigated a learning disability, struggling with her dyslexia until a diagnosis at age 16.

Understanding what it means to overcome obstacles, Wilson remains a vocal advocate for WNBA players to receive just pay for their elevation of the sport. A leader off the court, she hopes to help charge a new era where women’s sports collects the big checks.

“All of us are going to be at the table,” says Wilson, “and we’re not moving until we get exactly what we want.”

Haiti, france, reparation, Haitians, Haitian Heritage Month

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 10, 2025

SAK PASE? New York City Declares July 26 As Haitian Konpa Day

New York City will now celebrate Haitian Konpa Day every July 26, honoring Haiti’s iconic dance and music genre.

New York City has designated July 26 as Haitian Konpa Day, an annual celebration honoring the rich legacy and cultural influence of Haiti’s signature dance and iconic musical genre.

On Dec. 4, the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, led by Council Member Erik Bottcher, approved Resolution 987-2025, honoring konpa’s deep roots in Haitian culture and its strong presence throughout New York’s Haitian communities, the Haitian Times reports. With this resolution, July 26 will now be celebrated each year in NYC as a tribute to Haiti’s beloved music and dance tradition and its lasting influence on the city.

“Haitian culture has long been part of the rich and diverse fabric of our great city. Our food, dance, and music have helped make New York City what it is today,” said Council Member Rita Joseph, who sponsored the measure. “Haitian contributions are everywhere, and I am delighted that we are formally recognizing and celebrating Haitian Konpa music today.”

Sometimes spelled compas, kompas, or konpa, the genre stands as one of Haiti’s most cherished and commercially successful musical art forms. Nemours Jean-Baptiste is the pioneer who created konpa in 1955 by fusing a slowed-down merengue with American big-band elements and rasin rhythms. Jean-Baptiste debuted the sound that July at a concert at Place Sainte-Anne in Port-au-Prince.

Webert Sicot, an early collaborator of Jean-Baptiste, later introduced “cadence rampas,” a faster variation that ignited a friendly musical rivalry between the two. As konpa evolved, bands streamlined the big-orchestra setup for nightclub stages, helping the genre capture wider audiences. Now, Haitians worldwide celebrate kompa with pride.

New York City’s move to establish an official Haitian Konpa Day marks another major cultural milestone for the genre, coming on the heels of konpa earning a favorable review from UNESCO’s technical committee—putting it on the path toward recognition on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

With the new designation, New York City joins Haitians worldwide in celebrating the genre on July 26 each year. Supporters say the day will give the Haitian diaspora a moment to come together around the music that has shaped generations and remains central to Haiti’s cultural identity. An important milestone as the community continues to navigate challenges stemming from Donald Trump’s past remarks, including Haiti in his infamous “s—hole countries” slur, his move to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, and the recent “permanent pause” on migration from the country to the U.S.

“Despite the negative narratives that have come from the highest office in the land, we will never forget our resilience and our strength to stand up for justice and our rights,” Joseph said.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 10, 2025

Trump Launches Racial Attack Against Rep. Ilhan Omar And Her ‘Little Turban’ At Pennsylvania Rally

Trump has launched a number of rants against Omar and other Black women in Congress.

Another day, another racist attack from President Donald Trump against Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar.

During what was supposed to be an affordability rally in Pennsylvania, Trump went on a vicious tirade against Omar — again — claiming she should get out of the country since she “does nothing but bitch.” “Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With her little turban. I love her. She comes in, does nothing but bitch. She’s always complaining. She comes from her country where…I mean, it’s considered to be the worst country in the world … they have nothing,” he said.

“We oughta get her the hell out. She married her brother in order to get in.”

Trump: "Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is. With her little turban. I love her. She comes in, does nothing but bitch … we ought to get her the hell out … she's here illegally."

The crowd in Pennsylvania then starts chanting "send her back!" pic.twitter.com/Otk0o5PAWE
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 10, 2025

His tirade was met with chants of “send her back!” from the crowd — similar to those heard when Trump first ran in 2016 against former first lady Hilary Clinton. Trump’s rallies produced the now-infamous phrase, “Lock her up!”

For those following politics closely, some may have lost count of the number of Trump’s inflammatory rants against Omar and other Black women in Congress. But his obsession with the Somali-born leader has grown since he called her “garbage” during a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting. “I always watch her,” Trump said, claiming she “hates everybody. “And I think she’s an incompetent person. She’s a real terrible person.”

Just like the last time – and the numerous times before — Omar seems unmoved by the president’s rhetoric. In fact, she is more concerned for the 79-year-old’s mental well-being. On X, she clapped back at the clip of Trump’s rant, saying he needs help. “Trump’s obsession with me is beyond weird. He needs serious help,” she wrote.

“Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead. He continues to be a national embarrassment.”

Trump’s obsession with me is beyond weird. He needs serious help.

Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead.

He continues to be a national embarrassment. https://t.co/sFsGpxOf7o
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 10, 2025

Instead of condemning his unprecedented remarks, the White House seems to condone them. Communications Director Steven Cheung supported the president’s shrewd comments, saying on X, “This is President Trump in his element—with the people and delivering a hell of a speech.”

But fellow Democratic leaders and leaders of color like those engaged in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) stand by Omar and support her narrative of the president’s smoke-and-mirror performances.

“Rather than focusing on lowering the cost of living for hardworking American families, ensuring that all Americans have access to quality and affordable healthcare, and bringing our country together, President Trump has once again turned to the same racist and ignorant strategy of targeting Black and immigrant communities to distract from his enormous failures and historically low poll numbers on healthcare and the economy,” the group said in a statement.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 10, 2025

Former President Barack Obama Details Official Opening Of His Presidential Center

The former president revealed that the Obama Center aims to open in June.

Former President Barack Obama has the latest update on the opening of his long-awaited presidential center in Chicago.

Forged on the city’s Southside, the presidential center is poised to make a tremendous impact in the area. The yearslong project, which includes amenities such as a world-class library and athletic center, is nearing the finish line. Its namesake offered more details on when visitors can finally step onto its 20-acre grounds.

On Dec. 1, Obama appeared at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, to share the latest developments. While remaining mum on an exact opening day, those in the Windy City should expect a summertime reveal.

“We’re going to open in June so that y’all don’t have to bring your coats up,” he reportedly said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The city known for its brisk winters and sun-soaked summers will debut its grandest attraction yet in 2026. The project, estimated to cost $800 million, is the priciest presidential center to date. However, the funding has provided ample facilities and exhibits to entice all to visit Chicago for the experience.

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The Presidential Center not only features a 225-foot museum tower, but also multiple gardens and a branch of the Chicago Public Library across its campus. It also hopes to support economic development, particularly in its predominantly Black Southside area, providing jobs and opportunities for community members.

Its location also holds a personal connection to the Obama family, as both the former president and first lady have ingrained ties to the area. The powerhouse couple met in the city, as Michelle Obama, a Chicago native, and Barack Obama got his political start in its diverse neighborhoods.

Now, Chicago is home to their legacy through the Presidential Center. Obama hopes the center fosters new dialogue among community members and change-makers across the nation.

“We want to create a campus, a place where the public gathers for a range of things that puts them face-to-face with each other and gets them to meet and be in dialogue and conversation and exposed to new ideas with each other,” Obama added.

The latest opening date does push back prior reports of a springtime debut, as previously detailed by BLACK ENTERPRISE. However, the lofty project has overcome several delays before, and still aims to deliver on its promises of civic engagement and communal upliftment.

“We’ll create a virtual classroom for civic education, because my bet is that all the issues, problems that we have right now will be solved if old folks get out of the way,” continued the political leader. “We’ll bring those good old-fashioned American values to the new sets of problems that any of us, even my age, you know, we’re not going to experience.”

As it stands, visitors should plan a June trip to witness the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening.

crab boil, prison, Lee Correction, South Carolina, marijuana,, drone,,

by Kandiss Edwards

December 10, 2025

South Carolina Authorities Snatch Drone Carrying Secret Crab Boil Fixings Mid-Flight To Prison

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) intercepted the package filled with multiple food and drug items.

An anonymous drone operator made an unsuccessful attempt to smuggle various items of contraband, including crab legs, into a South Carolina prison.

The elaborate, daring attempt occurred at Lee Correctional Institution, a maximum-security facility. The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) intercepted the package filled with food and drug items and recovered both the drone and the attached package. The contents revealed an assortment of prohibited items, including:

Gourmet food: Fresh crab legs, cuts of steak, and a container of Old Bay seasoning,
Contraband: Two large bags of marijuana, a package of loose tobacco, and a carton of cigarettes.

The SCDC posted the haul on its social media platforms, to speak to the unusual nature of the package’s contents.

“Seems some folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay crab boil and steak dinner along with their marijuana and cigarettes — all dropped by a drone at Lee CI,” the post read.

🦀 Seems some folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay crab boil and steak dinner along with their marijuana and cigarettes — all dropped by a drone at Lee CI. #ContrabandChristmas #WeAreCorrections pic.twitter.com/abiQzJgN1r
— S.C. Department of Corrections (@SCDCNews) December 8, 2025

As of the time of the report, no arrests have been made in connection with this specific incident. However, law enforcement has enough evidence to launch an investigation into the smuggling attempt.

In April, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jeffery Jenkins and Richard Redding, approximately a mile from the Fulton County Jail, after intercepting their vehicle with a drone believed to be heading to the jail. The operation recovered both food and other hazardous drugs, including two large bags of marijuana, various pills like oxycodone, nine mobile phones, chargers, and a large quantity of cigarettes.

Chris Paul, Miami Heat, NBA, Basketball, Houston Rockets, Oakland

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 10, 2025

Chris Paul Is ‘At Peace’ After Being Unexpectedly Cut By Los Angeles Clippers

'More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next.'

A very unexpected separation from the Los Angeles Clippers, the team he has spent most of his playing years with, has left Chris Paul without a team. Although the team cut him in the middle of the night during a road trip in Atlanta, he told People that he is “actually at peace with everything.”

While speaking with the media outlet to promote his brand, Good Eat’n, the point guard noted that the Clippers’ shocking move has allowed him to spend time with family as he awaits his next basketball move.

“Stuff’s been a little crazy in the past few days — to say the least,” Paul said. “But honestly, I’m home. My daughter had tryouts yesterday. My nephew had a basketball game. My son has a game coming up on the 12th.”

He will finally get his first chance to see his son play in person, something he has not been able to do because he has been on the basketball court as well.

“I have never seen my son play a game in person. Not a middle school game, not a high school game. So I’m excited about seeing him play.”

Earlier this year, Paul alluded that this would be his final year in the league and chose to return to the Clippers, where he played from 2011 to 2017. He played for the San Antonio Spurs last season and will undoubtedly be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in less than six years.

He has businesses he’s involved in, but he is not yet ready to hang up the sneakers and uniform, and is still hoping to join a team.

“I’m actually at peace with everything. More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next.”

“The game has been amazing to me and my family.”

He did point out the one benefit he has had since the move. He gets a chance to become acquainted with WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, who has partnered with Good Eat’n to launch a new flavor, which is why he was speaking to People.

“I wouldn’t even have this opportunity right now — to get to know Paige, to see the next generation — without it.”

Bojangles, racism, discrimination, civil rights

by Kandiss Edwards

December 10, 2025

Georgia Bojangles Manager Charged In Murder Of Teen Employee’s Father

The incident took place on Sunday, Dec. 7, according to authorities.

The shift manager of a Bojangles in Palmetto, Georgia, was arrested for allegedly shooting the father of a teenage employee outside the restaurant on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Maurice Nolan Evans was charged with aggravated assault, murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

On Dec. 6, according to family members, Dominique Goodman’s daughter called home distressed because her shift manager had been “picking on her.” The young girl’s distress led to Goodman driving to the restaurant.

Though Evans was sent home around 12 p.m. due to the confrontation with the teen, he did not leave the parking lot. Family say Evan then left his car and fatally shot Goodman, who wanted to talk with Evans.

Palmetto Police Chief Bryan Hergesell confirmed the shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m.

Dad gunned down by Bojangles manager after getting call from daughter: policehttps://t.co/zJFjdqbT6M
— Dayton 24/7 Now (@dayton247now) December 10, 2025

Marlene Lately, identified as a family member of the victim spoke to 11 Alive about Goodman’s attempt to confront the 25-year-old shift manager.

“Which would any parent do if somebody arguing with their kid, you know,” said Marlene Lately, a relative of Goodman, told 11 Alive. “They are coming up there to see what’s going on, and I guess that’s what he did.

“I feel like she lost everything, her father, you know, she will never get him back. That’s sad and that man should’ve thought before he made that decision”

A Bojangles spokesman issued a statement on the weekend’s “senseless act.”

“The safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority,” they said. “The franchisee is fully cooperating with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. We strongly condemn all acts of violence. Out of respect for everyone involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will defer further details to the police.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 10, 2025

Coco Gauff Aces Deal With Mercedes-Benz Days After Earning Highest-Paid Female Athlete Title

The 21-year-old inked the new deal while currently reigning as the highest-paid female athlete.

Coco Gauff has aced her sponsorships once again, becoming a Mercedes-Benz ambassador.

Gauff continues to widen her endorsement deals as she embarks on her newest partnership with the luxury car company. Now, the athlete will join the Mercedes-Benz family while ranked No. 3 in women’s tennis.

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A post shared by Mercedes-Benz (@mercedesbenz)

“Power. Precision. Play without limits. We’re proud to welcome world-class tennis player @cocogauff to the Mercedes-Benz family as a new global brand ambassador,” wrote the German automaker in a shared caption.

Mercedes-Benz announced the news Dec. 8, just days after Gauff broke headlines for another considerable feat. At just 21 years old, the three-time Grand Slam winner just took the top spot of Sportico’s list of highest-paid female athletes. Given that much of her payout comes from endorsements like these, this latest deal may have solidified Gauff’s status for another year.

Gauff secured the top spot after numerous partnerships with Naked Juices, New Balance, Rolex, and more. Gauff is still a leader on the court, having won the French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, this past summer. However, her endorsement payouts, totaling $23 million, greatly outweigh her sports earnings. With her total 2025 checks equating to $30 million, Gauff has secured a new title outside the world of tennis.

As her ambassadorship with Mercedes-Benz shows her continued marketability, the two parties share a mutual standard of performance excellence and ambition. Their partnership also comes as Gauff transitions from player to owner.

The sports star has launched Coco Gauff Enterprises, her own management company supported by the WME agency. The move gives her greater control over her growing business and brand identity.

Now, she can secure more offers and opportunities on her own terms, making this new matchup the ultimate win for Gauff.

“For me, tennis has always been about more than just winning,” she said in a statement obtained by Tennis.com. ” It’s about growth, passion and determination. That’s why this partnership with Mercedes-Benz feels so special.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 10, 2025

USPS Ruins Christmas For Military Members After 800 Holiday Care Packages Returned to Nonprofit

The nonprofit spent $10,000 to have the packages shipped toward the end of November.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) ruined an annual holiday care package surprise from a nonprofit to U.S. military members overseas due to a technicality with labels, the New York Post reports.

A total of 884 care packages curated by Boxes to Boots, a Connecticut-based nonprofit, were flagged and returned after being cited for “incomplete forms.” A majority of the returned parcels had the word “toiletries” circled on their labels.

“More detailed descriptions are now required for all international packages, so it’s important not to use generic terms,” USPS strategic communications specialist Amy Gibbs said. “It is important for customers to know that incorrect or incomplete data can prevent the Postal Service from detecting potential violations of federal export laws.”

The postal agency also mentioned a requirement for all international parcels to include a specific tariff code as of Sept. 1. Organizers of the nonprofit say each care package—a total of 1,139 were originally mailed out—had the corresponding six-digit key.

The nonprofit spent $10,000 to have the packages shipped toward the end of November.

Boxes to Boots hosts an annual drive in an effort to collect snacks and toiletries for overseas U.S. military member. The organization also put on a $75,000 fundraiser to cover the hefty shipping and operational costs.

Now, there is no way the packages will reach the troops on time, infuriating the organization’s president, Kristen Gauvin.

“They’re clearly marked for our U.S. military,” Gauvin said, according to NBC Connecticut. “As far as I’m concerned, in New York [where the boxes were flagged, someone] could have put these boxes, hundreds of boxes on the side, asked a supervisor what we should about these, perhaps call Boxes to Boots, explain the issue, and taken care of it right then and there.”

Gauvin said she is “losing sleep” over the matter.

“I heard from a service member weeks ago saying he was looking for support. He needed support. He’s having a tough time during his first deployment,” she said. “His box is sitting there in the office on the floor, and I can’t get that over to him…We need some answers. We need some solutions here. This is ridiculous.”

For those looking to support military members missing their loved ones this holiday season, USPS offers a Military Care Kit that contains a number of shipping items, including several Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes, Priority Mail Tape, address labels, and customs forms envelopes—all for free.