by Kandiss Edwards

June 26, 2025

Violent Altercation Unfolds Between Atlanta Reporter and Uber Driver

Tabitha Turner, a sports reporter in Atlanta says she is being harassed, by social media users, after an altercation with an Uber driver.

An Atlanta reporter is claiming she was attacked and maced by her Uber driver. The Uber driver refutes the claims.

Tabitha Turner, a sports reporter for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream, spoke with 11Alive to defend herself after a video surfaced of a physical and verbal altercation with Mericole Smith.

According to Turner, Smith violently attacked the woman after the woman had argued over the temperature of the vehicle. Smith also requested the reporter exit the vehicle while on Interstate I-85. She refused. Turner contends she only “wanted to get home to [her] daughter.”

Smith recounted her side of the events in a TikTok video, June 22. Subsequently, Turner released video of the altercation. As a result, Turner says she is being harassed. She also claims she was doxed. Observers are now contacting her place of employment and co-workers.

“They’ve flooded my social media with threats,” Turner said. “They’ve reached out to people I work with and work for.”

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While Turner denies any wrong-doing, Smith asserts the reporter threatened her. By Turner, allegedly, brandishing a weapon, Smith felt threatened. It was the perceived threat that led to Turner being sprayed with mace.

Smith showed 11 Alive the injuries she sustained once the women’s altercation turned physical.

“So, the bite mark is right here, right up above the end of my jawline,” Smith said. “And then for my eye, I have stitches here, and the blood vessels in my eye are bruised and healing currently.”

Police believe there is sufficient evidence to charge Smith in the assault. Turner is not currently facing charges for her part in the incident.

@mericolaaa #uber #uberdriverproblems @Uber #atlanta #atlantageorgia #lawsuit #lawsuitcheck ♬ original sound – MERICOLAAA

Turner was asked about her role in the situation. Her personal video documents her calling Smith multiple slurs. Turner did not respond to 11 Alive, instead opting to let her lawyer, Miguel Dominguez, speak on her behalf.

“There is no one who is going to watch this video and come away from it believing my client instigated this thing in any way,” said Dominguez.

Turner is planning to initiate a class-action lawsuit against Uber.

by Mitti Hicks

June 26, 2025

16 People Killed, 400 Injured During Anti-Tax Protests in Kenya

The demonstrations on Wednesday were held to commemorate deadly protests that occurred just a year prior.

Anti-government protests in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi turned deadly on Wednesday. While Kenyan officials have not disclosed the number of casualties, reports from local media and human rights groups say at least 16 people have been killed and over 400 injured during nationwide protests.

Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton told Reuters, “Most were killed by police.”

This is the latest outbreak of violence in Kenya, where people have taken to the streets over the last year to protest against police brutality, government corruption, and high taxes.

The demonstrations on Wednesday were held to commemorate deadly protests that occurred just a year prior. Police opened fire on a large number of protesters, killing at least 60 people on June 25, 2024, who attempted to storm parliament following the passage of legislation by members of parliament to raise taxes.

“We face an unfortunate paradox as a country where more lives are being lost as the people seek justice for the lives already lost,” Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya said on X. “Our hearts break for all the victims of the continued trend of police brutality and excesses.”

She continued, “We urge all Kenyans to take responsibility for their safety and that of fellow citizens in these trying moments for our country. Let us keep each other safe.”

What Happened During the 2025 Protests in Kenya?

Thousands took to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, and several other major Kenyan cities on June 25th to mark the anniversary of the violent 2024 anti-tax protests. Protesters chanted “Ruto Must Go” and “Occupy Statehouse” in opposition to President William Ruto’s government, according to Al Jazeera.

Nationwide, banks and schools in Nairobi’s central business district were closed in anticipation of the protests.

According to the BBC, the majority of protests started peacefully before things took a turn. Local reporters saw police fire tear gas and water cannons in the Nairobi crowds.

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by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2025

5th-Grade Girls Planned To Kill A Boy And Stage It As A Suicide

Details have surfaced about a disturbing plot by a group of 5th-grade girls to take a classmate’s life and make it appear as a suicide.

Disturbing details have emerged about a group of 5th-grade girls who plotted to murder a classmate and stage it to look like a suicide.

According to a police report, a group of 10- and 11-year-old girls at Legacy Traditional School’s West Surprise campus in Surprise, Arizona, allegedly plotted to kill a boy, saying the goal was to “just end him,” AZ Family reports. The plan, reportedly hatched during lunch and recess on Oct. 1, 2024, was sparked by a recent breakup and accusations of cheating.

The 5th-grade girls allegedly plotted to lure a classmate into the school’s outdoor bathroom, where one would stab him in the stomach. Each student had a specific role in the murder plot: one would bring the knife, another would write a fake suicide note to stage the scene, and a third would serve as the lookout. To avoid leaving fingerprints, they planned to wear gloves.

School administrators and the school resource officer launched an investigation after students who overheard the plot came forward. The following day, the girls’ backpacks were searched, and each suspect was questioned individually with a parent present.

All four students were arrested on charges of threatening and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. According to police, three expressed remorse, while the fourth smiled, laughed, and made excuses during questioning.

“Their brains are underdeveloped at 10, 11 years old. The female brain isn’t even quite half developed, the part of the brain that regulates emotion. That kind of talks sense into this. It’s early 20s, before the female brain is finished developing,” said Travis Webb, a Licensed Clinical Therapist.

Additionally, today’s youth is more exposed to and desensitized by violence than previous generations, largely due to the influence of social media.

“2025 is different than 1995. It’s different than 1975,” Webb said. “They don’t really come up with this on their own. They don’t think violently. They certainly don’t think about gloves and fingerprints and suicide notes.”

Karmelo Anthony, ,Ohio judge, Tammy Hayward, racial Discrimination, Jefferson County Judge Tracy Davis, Kentucky, georgia, mother, man

by Jameelah Mullen

June 26, 2025

Karmelo Anthony Indicted For Murder In Stabbing Death Of Austin Metcalf

The honor student, who was 17 years old when the incident occurred, says Anthony claims he acted in self-defense.

Karmelo Anthony, a Black student accused of fatally stabbing a white teen during a fight at a high school track meet in April, was indicted for murder by a Texas grand jury.

On April 2, police arrested Anthony, who was 17 at the time, in connection with the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. Two weeks later, authorities released Anthony on a $250,000 bond that was reduced from $1 million, and he has remained under house arrest since.

According to the police reports, the two teens got into an altercation after Anthony sought shelter from the rain under a tent. Witnesses say Metcalf asked Anthony to move, and when he didn’t, Metcalf allegedly assaulted Anthony, who then reportedly pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. According to the affidavit, Karmelo admitted to stabbing Metcalf in self-defense.

“I was protecting myself,” Karmelo told officers, according to the affidavit obtained by Fox News.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis discussed the case, which gained national attention, highlighting racial biases within the criminal justice system.

“We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Willis said at the June 25 press conference. “But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to. And that’s exactly what this case deserves.”

Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, released a video statement after the indictment, emphasizing that Karmelo Anthony and his family are confident that the defendant will receive a fair trial.

“We expect that when the full story is heard, the prosecution will not be able to rule out the reasonable doubt that Carmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense,” Howard stated. “Self-defense is a fundamental right guaranteed to every American.”

Texas law considers 17-year-olds to be adults in the criminal justice system. If convicted, Anthony could face up to 99 years in prison.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2025

Hot Girl Twerks, Killer Bots Follow: Megan Thee Stallion’s Wild M3GAN 2.0 Movie Promo

Megan Thee Stallion teams up with the evil AI bot M3GAN for a twerking session.

Megan Thee Stallion put her Hot Girl support behind the second installment of the M3GAN horror franchise, M3GAN 2.0.

A June 25 Instagram post shows the twerking session that ensued after the Grammy Award-winning rapper teamed up with the evil AI bot of the same name. Dressed in her anime-inspired best, Megan shows how she can turn any situation into a party when she gets confronted by M3GAN.

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

Following her recent appearance on Love Island USA, where she judged a twerking and limbo contest to promote her Hot Girl Swim line, the rapper’s latest ad campaign has fans applauding her sharp marketing skills and seamless brand alignment.

“Megan, stay doing side quests,” one fan wrote.

“Amazing Marketing,” added someone else.

Alongside the recent launch of her swimwear line and Amazon Prime anime series, Megan is also making moves in the spirits industry with Chicas Divertidas Tequila, which she debuted on her birthday in February. Known for celebrating with good music and drinks, the “Savage” rapper’s venture into beverages felt like a natural next step.

Having previously promoted brands like Hennessy and D’Usse, it was only fitting for Megan to step into the spirits market with a product of her own. And she’s fully embracing her role at the top, when promoting her tequila, the “Body” rapper proudly uses the hashtag #ChicasOwnerAndCEO.

“As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” she said in a statement when announcing the tequila brand.

“Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand. I know the Hotties are ready, it’s time to give them a drink made by me! I’m excited to share this labor of love with you all and hope you are inspired to enter your CHICAS ERA!”

by Black Enterprise

June 26, 2025

Black Teen Inventor Of Gabby Bows Lands $1M In Scholarships And A New Book Deal

Gabby Goodwin holds three U.S. patents.

Gabby Goodwin invented GaBBY Bows, the first and only anti-slip double-face double-snap barrette, at the age of seven with her mom, Rozalynn, and holds three U.S. patents. The now-teenage CEO and graduating senior has received merit scholarship offers totaling more than $1 million — including four full rides — from eight esteemed universities.

Gabby has also secured a book deal with HarperCollins, and her first-authored children’s book, Naturally Me at the Confidence Salon, is now available for pre-order and set to release on May 27 everywhere books are sold. Inspired by Gabby’s real-life Confidence Salon, this picture book encourages young readers to celebrate their natural beauty, cultivate confidence, and pursue their dreams.

“Confidence has always been important to me. I wouldn’t have been able to start my business at age seven or publish a book at seventeen without it,” said Goodwin. “I want girls like me to be able to see themselves in my book and find the confidence to follow their dreams just like I did.”

Featuring real-world wisdom, own-voices representation, vibrant art by Princess Karibo, and an inspiring, heartfelt message, Naturally Me at the Confidence Salon provides girls with the tools they need to find their confidence and embrace their individuality. The book also teaches children about a variety of natural hairstyles, celebrating diversity, natural beauty, creativity, and strength.

Gabby announced her college decision on Instagram.

About
Gabby and Rozalynn Goodwin of Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin hold three patents on GaBBY Bows. They launched and began selling the guaranteed anti-slip barrettes through their online store gabbybows.com in February 2014. The mother-daughter duo has since sold more than one million GaBBY Bows direct to consumers in all 50 states in the U.S. and in sixteen countries. They established the Mommy and Me Entrepreneurship Academy and have helped more than 50 girls in 16 states start their own businesses.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 26, 2025

Donald Trump Could Become Nobel Peace Prize Winner Thanks To MAGA Lawmaker’s Nomination

Trump was praised “courage and clarity” in the Israel-Iran conflict

A number of Republican lawmakers have called for President Donald Trump to win the Nobel Peace Prize for ceasefire efforts in the Israel-Iran conflict, with one Georgia lawmaker submitting a nomination, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter announced on X that he submitted a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which narrows down the candidates, to formally nominate the indicted president. He called the President’s role “historic.” “I just nominated @realDonaldTrump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his historic role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and preventing the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet,” he wrote.

I just nominated @realDonaldTrump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his historic role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and preventing the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.…
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) June 24, 2025

In the letter, Carter continued to praise Trump’s work, saying he demonstrated both “courage and clarity.” “President Trump took bold action to ultimately champion peace through strength and facilitate a ceasefire framework that brought hostilities to a halt. In a statement that has since reverberated around the globe, President Trump announced the terms of a complete and total ceasefire agreement, commending both Israel and Iran for their courage to end the war,” the congressman wrote.

“In a region plagued by historical animosity and political volatility, such a breakthrough demands both courage and clarity. President Trump demonstrated both, offering the world a rare glimpse of hope. For these reasons, I respectfully submit this nomination for Donald J. Trump, 47th President of the United States, to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.”

The prominent Trump ally wasn’t the only MAGA ally to push Trump toward the Nobel line. Ohio’s Sen. Bernie Moreno also proposed Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize after introducing a June 25 resolution arguing the strikes “brought about a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.”

But not everyone is feeling Trump’s name being added to the prestigious list of winners that includes the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former President Barack Obama, and former president of Liberia, Ellen Eugenia Johnson Sirleaf. According to Newsweek, Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign committee, withdrew the president’s nomination after he felt the leader let peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow fall under the radar.

He said he “lost any sort of faith and belief” in Trump.

The committee is scheduled to dial down on the list of candidates before the winner is announced in October 2025. While there have been controversial names on the list like Adolf Hitler, Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization that hosts survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, won in 2024 for activism against nuclear weapons.

RELATED CONTENT: Obama Accepts Nobel Peace Prize

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2025

Law Roach New Judging Role On ‘Project Runway’ Is A ‘Full-Circle Moment’

Law Roach is excited to bring his love for fashion to season 21 of "Project Runway."

Law Roach is set to make his judging debut on Season 21 of Project Runway, a milestone he describes as a “full-circle moment” thanks to his longtime love for the show.

Premiering July 31 on Disney+, Freeform, and Hulu, the new season of Project Runway welcomes Roach as he lends his eye for fashion to the iconic design competition show. The Chicago native joins returning host Heidi Klum, mentor and former winner Christian Siriano, and Elle Editor-In-Chief Nina Garcia, both of whom he knows personally and has worked with in the industry.

“It just felt like the right time to enter a space that felt really familiar because I grew up watching that show,” Roach told Out. “I remember watching Christian’s season when he won, so it felt like a full-circle moment to be invited to be a judge.”

Judging reality competitions is familiar territory for Roach. After rising to fame for styling stars like Zendaya, Jeremy Pope, Angela Bassett, Cardi B, André 3000, and Tyla in unforgettable red carpet looks, he’s served as a judge on HBO Max’s Legendary and appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. For Roach, each platform is a chance to showcase both his fashion expertise and his sharp, charismatic personality.

“When I’m on television, I get to show a small part of myself that is quick-witted and sassy, things I don’t do in my professional life,” he said. “This gives me a chance to be expressive in a different way.”

While Drag Race features a strong fashion element, it isn’t entirely centered on style, unlike Project Runway, which makes Roach even more excited to step into his new role.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race is a talent show that includes fashion, and Project Runway is a fashion show with great talent,” Roach said. “What makes me excited about Project Runway is that I’m looking at the next generation of Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs and being able to meet those talents at the ground level.”

As for what’s next for the renowned stylist, Roach hopes to appear in more scripted roles and style celebrities who come into his life naturally.

“Everything happens organically, and I hope to keep it that way,” he said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 26, 2025

Memphis Grizzlies Acquire Cedric Coward With No. 11 NBA Draft Pick

Portland Trail Blazers selected the former Division III player before trading him to the Grizzlies

A surprise occurred at the 2025 NBA Draft when the Portland Trail Blazers selected Cedric Coward as the No. 11 pick, as the player wasn’t expected to be selected that high.

According to Pro Football & Sports Network, the basketball player, who recently played at Washington State, was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as the team just traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. The move was unexpected, as Coward only played in six games at Washington State before becoming injured, effectively ending his collegiate career.

Coward was not projected to be selected in any mock drafts prior to the surprise move. He averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists, while having 1.7 blocks per game before the injury sidelined him.

The Memphis Grizzlies newest player:

Cedric Coward – 6’6”

Averaged 17.7/7.0/3.7/1.7 at Washington State last season 🔥

pic.twitter.com/ZlXPd2y6Ti

— EdeyMuse (@EdeyMuse) June 26, 2025

Coward’s path to the NBA is not typical and has surprised many. He started his collegiate career playing at a Division III school, Willamette University. During his first season, he averaged 19.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. He left the university to go play at Eastern Washington for two seasons, where he earned Big Sky First-Team honors.

CBS Sports insider Matt Norlander stated that Coward turned down the chance to make hundreds of thousands in NIL (name, likeness, and image) money when he decided to transfer to Washington State, instead of entertaining more lucrative offers from other schools.

“He transferred to Washington State, turning down hundreds of thousands of dollars in NIL money from high-major schools just to stay with his coaching staff, who got the Washington State job.”

Norlander also stated that “Coward is the best story in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has walked a path and done something that’s never happened in the history of the NBA.”

NBA.com reported that the Trail Blazers traded Coward to the Grizzlies in exchange for the team’s No. 16 pick, Yang Hansen, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando, and two second-round picks.

by Ida Harris

June 26, 2025

Founders Of Pretty Brown Girl Launch Historic Collegiate Chapter At FAMU

The organization has impacted over girls around the globe

Pretty Brown Girl, a national movement committed to uplifting and empowering girls and women of color, proudly celebrates the historic chartering of an official collegiate chapter at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. The celebration was held this spring, with over 40 young women in attendance, marking a historic milestone in the organization’s journey.

This powerful moment was made even more special by the leadership of Laila and Aliya Crawley, daughters of Pretty Brown Girl co-founders Sheri and Corey Crawley. As second-generation Rattlers, Laila and Aliya now serve as president and vice president of the newly formed Pretty Brown Girl FAMU Chapter.

“My husband Corey and I met at FAMU, 30 years ago, and the Pretty Brown Girl Movement was born from our shared passion for purpose and legacy,” said Sheri. “To now witness our daughters establishing a collegiate chapter on the very campus where our story began—it’s beyond full circle. It’s divine alignment.”

Founded in 2010, Pretty Brown Girl has positively impacted over 100,000 girls worldwide through confidence-building programs, school partnerships, community initiatives, and national recognition from prominent outlets, including NBC News, Essence Magazine, and The New York Times. The launch of the PBG FAMU Chapter represents a new era of leadership and expansion into higher education institutions.

This Pretty Brown Girl chapter joins the organization’s chapters at Howard University, which were started and led by Madison Belo, a previous PBG scholarship recipient, over the past three years. The collegiate chapters aim to foster self-love, sisterhood, and social impact among college-aged women, with programming focused on personal development, community service, and academic success.
Pretty Brown Girl extends deep gratitude to its Board of Directors, university supporters, and every student who helped bring this vision to life.

The PBG movement at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University will formally kick off this fall through initiatives led by Laila and Aliya, aligned with Pretty Brown Girl’s core mission: To empower every girl to celebrate her beauty, voice, and brilliance.