roach, Shreveport,police, apartment, neglect,,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Shreveport Mom Sues City After Police Falsely Arrested Her For Neglect Over Apartment Roaches

'Ms. White did not deserve this excessive and harsh result, which violated her humanity and crushed her 4th and 14th Amendment rights,' the woman's attorney said.

A woman in Louisiana, Calvinitri White, has filed a lawsuit accusing the City of Shreveport and the Shreveport Police Department of falsely arresting her and violating her civil rights after an arrest that took place in July, resulting in the charges being dropped against her.

According to KSLA, White, a mother of three, is suing the city because she was arrested for issues within her apartment that she tried to rectify with the building’s management. She called the police in June regarding a dispute over a PlayStation, and when police officers arrived, they noticed that there were roaches in the apartment. They stated that the roaches were inside the refrigerator, and the children were reportedly in dirty clothes and diapers. Officers concluded that the living conditions in the apartment were “unsanitary and unsafe” for the children.

The young mother was charged with three counts of criminal neglect of a family.

After White told police that she had been trying to rectify the conditions of the apartment through management since the beginning of the year, and after showing them proof, the charges against her were dropped. White submitted evidence that she made three requests: the first one took place Jan. 21, then again two days later on Jan. 23, and an additional request on April 29.

“We were provided proof that Ms. White, an employed single mother of three small children, submitted three requests for service in the year 2025 to her apartment manager regarding insect problems inside the apartment, Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart Sr. said. ”No drugs or firearms were found inside the apartment, nor any injuries to the children.”

After going through the ordeal and having her children placed in the home of their father, her attorney, Malik Shabazz, pressed for action against the city and police department.

“Ms. White did not deserve this excessive and harsh result, which violated her humanity and crushed her 4th and 14th Amendment rights,” Shabazz said. “I would hate to think that in 2025, Shreveport, Louisiana police still have not overcome discriminatory policing that would lead them to falsely arrest a Black woman for having a pest control problem in the home with her children, particularly when the apartment Management is documented as negligent to the tenant’s request for pest control. These actions of the arresting officer, the Shreveport Police Department, and the apartment management are shameful and harmful to Ms. White, and she deserves justice for this injustice.”

Atlanta Black Star reported that the complex reportedly refused to accept her rent checks after the troubling incident.

White’s legal team told KSLA that the mother is in a new, fully furnished home, and the children are back in school.

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Van Jones, Gaza
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Van Jones Apologizes For ‘Insensitive and Hurtful’ Comment About Children In Gaza

Van Jones is under fire for his "insensitive" remark about the death of children in Gaza.

Van Jones is owning up to the “insensitive and hurtful” remarks he made about children in Gaza when speaking on the Israel-Hamas war.

The political commentator took to X on Oct. 5, two days after his appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, to address backlash over a “punch line” he made about the deaths of children in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.

“I made a comment on Real Time with Bill Maher about the war in Gaza that was insensitive and hurtful. I apologize,” Jones tweeted. “The suffering of the people of Gaza — especially the children — is not a punch line.”

“I’m deeply sorry it came across that way,” Jones continued. “What’s happening to children in Gaza is heartbreaking. As a father, I can’t begin to imagine the pain their parents are enduring, unable to protect their kids from unimaginable harm. I’m praying and working for an immediate end to this war — and for peace and safety for every family caught in its path. I’m truly sorry for the pain my words caused to people who are already suffering more than anyone should.”

The “insensitive” remark came during a panel discussion on the Gaza war, when Jones commented on the flood of graphic images circulating on social media amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

“Iran and Qatar have come up with a disinformation campaign that they are running through TikTok and Instagram that is massive,” Jones said in a clip reposted on X. “If you are a young person, you are opening up your phone, and all you see is—dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, Diddy, dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby.”

Jones disabled comments on his apology tweet, but that didn’t stop many from criticizing him, with one X user condemning his “sick joking about dead kids in Gaza.”

“Van Jones just torched his whatever legacy he thought he had,” added someone else.

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Dave, Chappelle, Netflix, special, Charlie Kirk
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Dave Chappelle Sparks Backlash Over Claims Of Freer Speech In Saudi Arabia Than US

e Chappelle is facing backlash after comparing free speech in the U.S. to that in Saudi Arabia.

Dave Chappelle is facing backlash once again after his latest comedy set, where he compared free speech in Saudi Arabia to that in the U.S.

The award-winning comedian headlined the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, where he stirred controversy with comments on free speech in America and appeared to defend fellow comedian Jimmy Kimmel, criticizing the “cancel culture” backlash tied to mentioning Charlie Kirk.

“Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled,” Chappelle said during his performance, as captured by The New York Times. “I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out,”

“It’s easier to talk here than it is in America,” he added.

As criticism mounts against the Trump administration for allegedly targeting media and educational institutions that challenge its actions and threaten First Amendment rights, many on social media blasted Chappelle for appearing to ignore Saudi Arabia’s controversial record on human rights and free speech violations.

“If Dave Chappelle believes there’s freer speech in Saudi Arabia than the US…he should do an entire set mocking Muhammad there and see how it goes,” one X user tweeted.

“Tell us more about free speech, Dave,” another user wrote. “Comedians performing in Saudi Arabia had to sign contracts containing strict content restrictions prohibiting any derogatory, defamatory, or ridiculing material about the royal family, religion, the government, or the kingdom itself.”

https://twitter.com/NotHoodlum/status/1974642829415928180

The inaugural Saudi Arabian comedy festival drew a star-studded lineup, with Dave Chappelle headlining alongside Louis C.K., Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Whitney Cummings, Pete Davidson, Aziz Ansari, Jo Koy, and others. But the event sparked backlash before it even began, as critics condemned the comedians for performing in a country long accused of silencing dissent.

The festival was produced by Sela — a live events company backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — and the kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, led by royal adviser Turki al-Sheikh, who has faced allegations of human rights abuses, including the detention of critics over social media posts.

“This whitewashing comes amid a significant increase in repression, including a crackdown on free speech, which many of these comedians defend, but people in Saudi Arabia are completely denied,” said Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea.

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Snapchat, sustainability
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.

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shooting, Mississippi, HBCU
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.

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.”

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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USPS, holiday shipping
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.”

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Tyrese
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.

“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.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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Lionel Richie, Martin Luther King
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.

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