by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Snapchat to Charge Users for Storing Memories, Citing Long-Term Sustainability

Snapchat users may soon have to open their wallets to hold onto their digital nostalgia.

Snapchat revealed plans to introduce paid storage options for its Memories feature, marking the first time users will have to pay to keep older photos and videos archived on the app. The company stated that the change aims to ensure long-term support for users’ stored media, as the amount of saved content continues to increase rapidly.

“When we first launched Memories, we never expected it to grow to what it has become today,” the company wrote in a recent news release. “We want to make sure that our community can continue to store all of their Memories over the long term, so we are introducing new Memories Storage Plans to support Snapchatters with more than 5GB of Memories.”

Since its launch in 2016, Memories has become a core part of Snapchat’s identity, allowing users to revisit past moments and share throwbacks beyond the usual 24-hour post window. Snapchat reported that users have collectively saved over one trillion Memories since the feature was introduced. However, the company noted that “the vast majority” of users store less than 5GB and won’t be affected by the change.

For those who exceed the limit, Snapchat will offer new subscription tiers. A 100GB plan will cost $1.99 per month, while users of Snapchat+ will receive 250GB as part of their $3.99 monthly plan. A higher-tier Snapchat Platinum plan will include 5TB of storage for $15.99 per month, according to TechCrunch. Users who go over the 5GB limit will receive 12 months of temporary storage to either subscribe or download their Memories before they’re deleted.

The update has sparked backlash from longtime users who say the change feels exploitative. Some have called it “unfair” and “greedy,” pointing out that they’ve spent years building their archives.

Still, experts suggest the move may be inevitable. “The road to paying for storage on social media is inevitable,” said Drew Benvie, CEO of Battenhall, in an interview with BBC.

“In an era where we post less, but save more, this is an evolution of messaging and social media platforms.”

Snapchat’s decision mirrors a growing trend among tech companies monetizing once-free features. The platform now joins others, such as X (formerly Twitter), which began charging for verification and premium access in 2022.

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Arise News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Dies While Fleeing Armed Robbery in Abuja

Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, 29, died after jumping from her third-floor apartment in Abuja.

A shocking tragedy has struck Nigeria’s media industry following the death of Arise News journalist Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, who died during a violent robbery at her apartment complex in Abuja. Authorities confirmed that Maduagwu, 29, jumped from the third floor of her residence in the early hours of Sept. 29 as armed robbers stormed the building.

“She tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence,” said Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she later succumbed to her injuries.

PRESS RELEASE

FCT POLICE COMMAND COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY OF ARISE NEWS JOURNALIST, ORDERS DISCREET INVESTIGATION INTO HER DEATH

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, has extended his heartfelt condolences to… pic.twitter.com/ZSUv0BiBER
— FCT POLICE COMMAND (@FCT_PoliceNG) September 30, 2025

According to Vanguard Nigeria, the robbery occurred at Unique Apartments, a three-story twin complex located in the Gishiri area of Katampe, within the Mabushi Division. The building, which houses 18 flats, was guarded by two private security personnel at the time. One of the guards sustained a gunshot wound after confronting the attackers, police reported.

Commissioner Adewale called the assault “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” adding that investigators have launched “a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

He also said police have deployed “intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.”

In a public statement, Arise News described Maduagwu as “a beloved colleague” whose “vibrant voice engaged and connected with our viewers.” The network praised her professionalism both on and off camera, noting that she was also a trained lawyer.

“Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory,” the statement read. The organization called for a “speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits.”

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A post shared by ARISE News (@arisenewsofficial)

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, also mourned the loss. “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news,” he wrote on Instagram, joining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for security agencies to “thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

USPS Employee Shot In Face, Amazon Delivery Driver Arrested

The disturbance took place at an apartment complex in Everett

A USPS employee in Washington was allegedly shot by an Amazon delivery worker in Everett at an apartment complex after a dispute between the two.

The Everett Police Department posted about the incident on its Facebook page, stating that the victim was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound and the delivery worker was in custody. The shooting took place Oct. 3 at the West Mall Place Apartments. Neither men were identified.

“At approximately 1250 hours today, officers responded to the West Mall Place Apartments for the report of a shooting. The victim, a USPS postal worker, was transported to Providence Hospital with a gunshot wound. The suspect, a package delivery driver, is currently in custody.

There is currently no danger to the public. This is an active investigation, and there are no further details at this time.”

According to Fox 13 Seattle, the incident was also confirmed by Postal Inspector John Wiegand, as the victim was delivering mail at the complex.

“At that time, he was confronted by another individual, and then a small altercation took place where the carrier was unfortunately shot in the face,” Wiegand said. “At this time, he is alive. He’s down at Harborview, making the next steps medically.”

The incident is being investigated to determine what led to the shooting.

“It appears there may have been some kind of verbal altercation,” Wiegand said.

KOMO reported that the victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment after initially being taken to Providence Hospital.

Police officials told the media outlet that the alleged shooter would be taken to the Snohomish County jail and booked there.

A neighbor stated that she knows the postal worker and said, “He’s a good dude.”

“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Jelani Jones. “I know him as the mailman; he’s a good dude. I can’t believe that. He’s always good with people in our neighborhood.”

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Tyrese Gibson’s Grandmother Was Detained Before He Turned Himself In Over Fatal Dog Attack

Tyrese Gibson's attorney has claimed that the actor is fully cooperating with police and their investigation.

Actor Tyrese Gibson is facing legal trouble after authorities issued an arrest warrant on Sept. 22, following reports that his dogs were involved in a deadly attack in his Atlanta neighborhood.

According to Fulton County officials, Gibson’s four Cane Corsos were allegedly roaming freely through the upscale Tuxedo Court area in Buckhead on Sept 18 when they fatally mauled a neighbor’s 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

The spaniel’s owner, Harrison Parker, described the heartbreaking scene to Good Morning America.

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“The pack of those four dogs were there minutes before I found Henry’s body,” Parker said. “And there was absolutely no cars, no humans, just the dogs. And he was dead. And the fact he died like that alone in the darkness at night and I wasn’t there… it’s just horrible.”

Parker added that he hopes “justice is fully served” following the Gibson incident.

That same day the warrant was issued, police bodycam footage obtained by TMZ showed Fulton County officers and Animal Services officials conducting a search of Gibson’s property. The footage also captured Gibson’s grandmother briefly detained in the back of a police vehicle during the investigation.

Gibson, 46, was not home when the attack occurred, according to his attorney, Gabe Banks. According to WBLS, Banks said the Fast & Furious star “is cooperating fully with authorities to address and resolve this matter responsibly.”

Banks added that Gibson “immediately made the difficult decision to rehome his dogs to a safe and loving environment.”

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A post shared by TYRESE (@tyrese)

Nearly two weeks after the warrant was issued, Gibson turned himself in to Atlanta police on Oct. 3. Jail records confirm that the actor was released shortly after posting a $20,000 bond.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as local officials determine whether further action will be taken against Gibson.

Stefon Diggs Defeats The Buffalo Bills Then Shows Love To Former Teammate Josh Allen

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Stefon Diggs Defeats The Buffalo Bills Then Shows Love To Former Teammate Josh Allen

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs spent four years with the Buffalo Bills

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs spent four years with the Buffalo Bills, forming a tandem with quarterback Josh Allen. And although they are now opponents, they embraced each other after the Patriots defeated the Bills 23-20 at Diggs’ former home stadium.

According to Mass Live, the former teammates shared a hug and showed the respect they have for each other once the game ended at Highmark Stadium in New York. As the two men hugged, Diggs told Allen he loved him, and the quarterback reciprocated the words.

Big hug from Josh Allen for Stefon Diggs postgame.
Lots of respect here. #Billsmafia pic.twitter.com/xVNySQ8PGM

— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) October 6, 2025

Although it wasn’t the first time the two faced each other after Diggs left the team, it was the first time Diggs played at Highmark Stadium as an opponent. The two faced each other when Diggs was a member of the Houston Texans, the team the Bills traded him to. When the teams faced each other at NRG Stadium in Texas, Allen and the Bills also lost that game by the identical score of 23-20, so now, Diggs is 2-0 against his former team.

Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots during the offseason.

The wide receiver spoke about his relationship with Allen after the game, reiterating the respect he has for his former teammate.

“That’s my dawg, man,” Diggs said.

“Obviously, things happen, the business happens, but I spent a lot of time here and I’ve got a lot of love and respect for that young man. He’s a tremendous player. He’s one of the boys. Obviously, things happen and I’m not here (anymore), but I consider myself a real one… we built a special bond. That was my guy. I’m not going to switch up or act like I don’t have a lot of love and respect for that young man. So when I see him, I try to give him that reminder.”

The victory brought the Patriots’ record to 3-2, while the Bills (4-1) lost their first game of the season. Diggs finished the contest with 10 receptions for 146 yards.

Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King, Historic Site, Government shutdown, Atlanta

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site Closes Amid Government Shutdown

The government shutdown has shuttered Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

The partial shutdown of the federal government has led to the closure of one of Atlanta’s most significant civil rights landmarks — the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — leaving visitors disheartened after traveling from across the country.

The National Park Service closed the site on Oct. 1 as part of the broader government shutdown, which has halted numerous federal operations. Tourists who arrived hoping to visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King once preached, and the adjoining visitor center were instead met with locked doors and empty grounds.

“I’ve never been here to Ebenezer Church, and I would love to go inside,” said Nakia Graham to 11Alive, who traveled from North Carolina with his wife, Takiva.

“We have elected our leaders to do a job. And when we shut down, that seems to me that they have fallen down on that job,” he added, expressing frustration with the political gridlock that triggered the shutdown.

The closure extends to the visitor center, which typically provides historical context about Dr. King’s life and the broader civil rights movement. “Yeah, we wanted to see the MLK national park here, but yeah, we got turned away because of the government shutdown. Which sucks. It’s awful,” said Maya Kayyal, who visited from Daytona Beach, Florida.

Kayyal, who recently earned a degree in history, said the site had particular meaning for her. “I just graduated with my degree in history. So I’m super into the Park Service and all that kind of stuff. I’ve learned a lot about interpretation and museums and parks. And I think it’s just absolutely awful that it closed,” she said.

While the gravesites of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King remain accessible — as they are maintained by the nonprofit King Center — other portions of the historic site, including a century-old fire station, are closed until the government reopens.

The shutdown, now in its sixth day, stems from a stalemate between Republican and Democratic lawmakers over federal budget negotiations. Roughly 40% of the federal workforce — around 750,000 employees — are expected to be placed on unpaid leave as long as the impasse continues.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Lionel Richie Reveals His Parents Did Not Allow Him To March With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

'I was longing to be part of it. And my parents kept telling me it was dangerous,' said Richie.

Former Commodores singer Lionel Richie recently revealed that, while growing up in Alabama, he had an opportunity to participate in a civil rights march featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but his parents didn’t allow him to.

According to The Guardian, in an exclusive interview with the media outlet, while speaking about his latest memoir, “Truly,” Richie shared why he wasn’t allowed and how it left him feeling, knowing he wanted to be a part of such a historical event. The situation took place during the height of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

After learning that the civil rights leader was having a march, along with his friends, he wanted to march alongside Dr. King on his way to Montgomery. The “Hello” singer was 15 years old at the time. His parents did not want him to go because they felt it was dangerous for him to do so.

“I was longing to be part of it. And my parents kept telling me it was dangerous,” Richie stated.

Not being able to go upset the future Motown recording artist, but they explained why they would not let him go.

“I was angry, because I thought they had left me out of some of the most significant history. My anger came when I realized what my grandmother and grandfather had gone through, what my mom and dad had gone through. I said to my folks, ‘Why did you not tell me? Why did you not involve us in this?’, and their answer was, ‘We didn’t want anything to limit you in your thinking of what the possibilities for your future could be. And if we had attached you to our anger, then you would be stuck in our anger.’”

In the interview, he did say that if he had not gone into music, he might have become a professor of Black history.

Ricbie’s book, “Truly,” was released Sept. 30.

JAMROCK CRUISE, REGGAE,, JAMAICA, JAMAICAN, SHENSEEA, SHABBA, DAMIAN MARLEY

by Keka Araújo

October 6, 2025

Shabba Ranks, Shenseea Join Damian Marley For Jamrock Reggae Cruise 10th Anniversary Lineup

The voyage includes stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise (WTJRC), co-founded by four-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a sold-out voyage from Oct. 27-Nov. 1. The Norwegian Joy will host more than 60 artists spanning reggae, dancehall, and comedy.

The robust lineup is anchored by brothers Damian and Stephen Marley, who will perform a special set as the conclusion of their 2025 Traffic Jam Tour. The cruise will also feature the third generation of the Marley family: Yohan, Skip, Mystic, and YG Marley.

The roster is packed with legends of the genre. Dancehall icons Shabba Ranks and Super Cat are scheduled to return, alongside roots legends Sizzla and Capleton. Fans will also see performances from crossover star Shenseea, the velvet lover’s rock of Tarrus Riley, and party anthems from Baby Cham. Roots reggae will be represented by Junior Reid, Louie Culture, Warrior King, and Mortimer.

Adding a new element, comedian Dale Elliott will deliver the cruise’s first-ever stand-up comedy shows.

Co-founder Dan Dalton noted the significance of the event. “Over a decade ago, Damian and I set out to create a cruise that brought Jamaica to the world in a way no one had seen before. This year feels like history in the making, celebrating our 10-year milestone among family, friends and fans.”

Beyond the concerts, the cruise offers a full immersion into Jamaican culture, with passengers enjoying authentic island cuisine, Nyabinghi drumming sessions, meditation, yoga, and dancehall classes. The voyage includes stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

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A post shared by Jamrock 🚢🌊 Reggae Cruise (@welcometojamrockreggaecruise)

The specially organized SoundClash at Sea will feature past champions and legendary sound systems, including Stone Love (Geefus), David Rodigan, King Jammy, Renaissance Disco, and Kingston 12 HiFi. Organizers have also confirmed that the cruise will return for its 11th year, with 2026 tickets to be announced soon.

Kyren Lacy, parents, suicide, Kandace Washington, Kenny Lacy

by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Kyren Lacy’s Attorney Releases Video That Appears To Clear His Name

The Louisiana Democratic Party is calling for an independent investigation into the accusations levied at Lacy by police.

On Oct. 3, the late Kyren Lacy’s attorney produced video evidence that allegedly directly contradicted the claims of authorities in Louisiana, including the Louisiana State Police, which accused Lacy of negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run relating to a crash that occurred on Dec. 17, 2024.

According to Reuters, Matt Ory, Lacy’s attorney, stated in a voiceover of surveillance video that his client was so far behind the crash that charging him with the crimes the authorities did was a gross miscarriage of justice.

“We know from data that Kyren Lacy did in fact pass four cars; there’s no disputing that. Further north, Kyren Lacy passed four cars,” Ory said in the video. “However, he was back in his lane of travel, 92.3 yards — back in his lane — behind (the car that occupied the man killed in the crash). … He’s 72.6 yards behind the vehicles at the time of impact. Key word, behind the vehicles. That is not how this story was ever painted. Never.”

According to USA Today, in February, Ory also noted that his former client was innocent of the charges he had been facing.

“The collision that resulted in the death of Mr. Herman was not caused by Mr. Lacy’s actions,” Ory said at the time. “The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger.”

He continued, “It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never ‘returned’ to the scene of the accident.”

Despite this alleged evidence showing that Lacy was nowhere near the accident when it occurred, the Louisiana State Police stood by their initial assertion that Ory’s client committed the crimes they accused him of.

According to WVLA Baton Rouge, notably, Ory praised the district attorney who ordered an independent investigation into the crash, instead of relying solely on the police report, which contained discrepancies.

“This is exactly the kind of leadership we should expect from our District Attorney: a commitment to justice, regardless of external pressure or any narrative being pushed,” Ory wrote in a statement. “Her decision to independently verify the facts ensured that the investigation was thorough and properly handled.”

In addition, the Louisiana Democratic Party is calling for an independent investigation into the accusations levied at Lacy by the police and some media members, and it notes in its statement that justice is about getting to the truth, not necessarily simply finding a scapegoat to punish.

“Mr. Lacy, like any citizen, deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness under the law — not subjected to baseless allegations that tarnish reputations before the facts are known. The Louisiana Democratic Party condemns in the strongest possible terms any effort by law enforcement officers to misuse their authority or misrepresent the truth,” the statement reads.

It continued, “Furthermore, with collaboration and approval from the Lacy Family, we are calling on members of the Louisiana Legislature to introduce and pass “The Lacy Law” during the upcoming legislative session — a reform designed to prevent false reporting and wrongful accusations by law enforcement officers. This legislation must include strict penalties for officers or agencies found to have deliberately fabricated or misrepresented evidence, as well as measures to protect citizens’ rights and restore public confidence in our justice system.”

As the Southern Poverty Law Center noted in an expansive 2023 report on Louisiana’s criminal justice system, it is plagued by a power imbalance and lack of diversity that often leaves the families of victims with little to no recourse in seeking justice.

“As in other states across the Deep South, the system is in many ways a legacy of 150 years of slavery and nearly a century of Black Codes and Jim Crow segregation, under which states enacted laws designed specifically to criminalize Black people,” the report notes.

It continued, “This kind of official neglect is not the worst part of the white-heavy power structure outlined in Out of Balance. Louisiana’s history of police abuses is long and well documented, and Black people are usually on the receiving end.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 5, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris Presented Highest Honor By NAACP

'I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal — an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress,' said Harris.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was bestowed with the NAACP’s highest honor when they presented her with the 2025 Spingarn medal.

The award was given to Harris Sept. 30 at a special dinner that took place in Los Angeles, Calif. It was given to her by NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leon W. Russell.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal — an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress,” said Harris. “To be counted among its recipients is profoundly inspiring. That it comes from the NAACP, one of our nation’s oldest and greatest champions of freedom and equality, makes this honor all the more meaningful.”

Vice President Harris joins other distinguished winners of the Spingarn medal, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The medal is given to an individual for their contributions to justice, equity, and public service.

“It is a true privilege to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as this year’s Spingarn Medal recipient,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Her trailblazing leadership and unwavering commitment to justice embody the very essence of this honor. As the first woman and the first Black American to serve as Vice President, her legacy of breaking barriers and championing equity will inspire generations to come.”

The 49th Vice President of the United States released her latest book, 107 Days, on Sept. 23. This is Harris’ first book since she released The Truths We Hold: An American Journey. She also penned a children’s book the same year, “Superheroes Are Everywhere.” She wrote her very first book 10 years before that, Smart on Crime.

Last month, she was at her alma mater, Howard University, for an unannounced stop as part of her 18-city book tour.