Atlanta church, medical debt — (Photo: Andrew Patrick/Pexels)

by Mary Spiller

July 11, 2025

Oh Lord! Deputies Drag Longtime Member From Church Over Legal Spat

Allie Thompson was forcibly removed Mt. Olive M.B Church by deputies, due to a court order barring her from attending services.

A Sunday service at Mt. Olive M.B. Church in Scott County, Mississippi, turned chaotic on Father’s Day when longtime member Allie Thompson was forcibly removed by deputies, following a court order barring her from attending the house of worship.

Exclusive video obtained by 3 On Your Side showed Thompson being dragged from the mother’s board section of the church by two Scott County deputies. In the footage, Thompson can be heard crying out, “You’re hurting me!”

“I was wrestled to the floor. One got my right arm. Twisted it. I said, No, you’re hurting me!” Thompson recounted the scene, describing it as painful and humiliating.

According to Scott County Sheriff Mike Lee, Thompson and several others had received court-ordered letters instructing them not to attend services after a prior altercation at the church.

“They violated the court’s order and came to the service anyway,” Sheriff Lee said, noting deputies made several attempts to remove Thompson peacefully before she was physically escorted out.

The tension at Mt. Olive began to brew from ongoing disagreements over leadership and church governance.

Thompson says the conflict began when she and other members raised concerns about Pastor Charles Bell’s decision-making.

“He called himself appointing a finance committee. The church did not vote on that. We have bylaws and rules that we govern by,” she said.

Thompson also accused Pastor Bell of excluding her husband, a longtime deacon, from key decisions. “Why doesn’t he include my husband, who is the oldest man and deacon of the church? He makes decisions without his knowledge,” she added.

Addie Johnson, who served as a Sunday school teacher for decades, was also affected. “I am the Sunday school teacher here. Mr. Johnson came in this morning and told me his pastor asked him to teach the Sunday School lesson, and he’s taking it over. I was not informed,” she said.

Court records show that in October 2024, Mt. Olive leadership filed a restraining order and preliminary injunction against seven members, including Thompson.

The complaint alleges that those individuals assaulted a deacon during a Sept. 15 incident that resulted in hospitalization and that they also verbally threatened the pastor, first lady, and other members.

Thompson denies any involvement. “All the preachers that have been here and gone, if you get in touch with them, they will tell you that I have been a faithful warrior. Nothing but welcoming greeting guests as they come in. They would tell you that,” she said.

Richelieu Dennis, Essence Magazine — Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ESSENCE

by Kandiss Edwards

July 11, 2025

Essence Executive Avoids Diaspora Discourse Yet Addresses Other Festival Criticism

Richelieu Dennis, an executive of Sundial Media Group which owns Essence, spoke about the mounting criticism about the decades-old festival.

Essence executive Richelieu Dennis sat down with columnist Will Sutton and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt to discuss the criticism surrounding the Essence Festival of Culture.

Dennis is the executive chairman of Sundial Media Group, which owns Essence Ventures. The criticism of this year’s event began immediately after its conclusion. Dennis chose to address discourse surrounding crowd control, super lounges, and the number of artists head-on, NOLA reported.

While the executive chairman said the corporation was “listening” to all of the feedback, he made sure to note that some of the public’s demands were unreasonable. Yet, he and the Essence team remained socially observant and tweaked what was possible.

“Sometimes the expectations are reasonable. And sometimes they’re unreasonable. When they’re reasonable, or even if they’re unreasonable, we take all of that into account. Our team (does) an excellent job of social listening, so we’re listening to everything that’s being said every day. Not just when we come here. Across the board we take that information and we say, ‘OK, what are the things that we can change and what are the things that we should not change?’”

“One of the biggest changes this year came as a result of the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture’s historic attendance. While the support can be seen as a success, the lack of space led to safety issues.

“Two years ago, it was very crowded. It was very unsafe. We got it. We’ve always taken pride in the fact that when Essence comes to New Orleans, New Orleans becomes safer. So you saw we took on more space,” he said.

A large portion of the interview focused on New Orleans’ participation in the event and its corporate sponsorship. While much was made of Target’s involvement in the event, Dennis said the company has not wavered in its monetary support.

However, he did state that other companies, such as Ford, have also revoked their support. As a businessman, Dennis says Target’s assistance is needed due to rising costs. The financial subsidies from the city of New Orleans are helpful, but not enough.

Eventually, the conversation shifted to discussing the impressive musical lineup. An extensive roster of celebrities was slated to perform, causing delays and less time to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. One of the artists who took heat for these delays was rapper, singer, and Grammy winner Lauryn Hill, known for starting her shows when the spirit moves her. The 4 am start time of her show received swift condemnation from fans and foes. However, Dennis took a moment to absolve Ms. Hill. He stated emphatically that the delays were not her fault.

Although accountability and transparency are great, Dennis did not address the allegations of Black American erasure levied by multiple Black media outlets, including Ebony and The Root. As Dennis and Essence’s Chairman are both African immigrants, many feel that the inclusion of the “Jollof vs Gumbo” cook-off and multiple non-American Black content creators and performers is an indicator that the event, firmly rooted in Black American and Southern culture, is being globalized to the point of losing its identity.

The claims of many appear anecdotal, as many Black American talents and activities were included in the festival. Still, the conversation rages online. Only time will tell if Essence executives were “listening” to that particular piece of discourse as closely as they have listened to others.

Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker — wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Phoenix_suns_kings.jpg/1024px-Phoenix_suns_kings.jpg

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

Phoenix Suns Gives Devin Booker Largest Contract Extension In NBA History

Booker agreed to a two-year, $145 million maximum contract extension with the franchise.

Phoenix Suns basketball player Devin Booker has just signed the largest contract extension in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA), thus making his annual salary the highest of any player in the league.

According to ESPN, this announcement comes several days after the NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, extended the contract of this year’s NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who inked a $285 million supermax extension. After signing the extension, Gilgeous-Alexander’s annual salary increased to $71.25 million. With Booker’s recent deal, he will be making $72.5 million per year. Booker agreed to a two-year, $145 million maximum contract extension with the franchise.

STAYING IN THE VALLEY 🏜️

Official: Devin Booker has signed a contract extension! pic.twitter.com/7x6pjb2eGY

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 10, 2025

The Suns announced that the franchise signed the team’s all-time leading scorer July 10.

“This moment means so much to me and my family,” said Booker in a written statement. “Ten years ago, my NBA dreams became a reality when I was drafted here, and Phoenix is my home. I love this city and am proud of what we have accomplished over the past decade. I am grateful to Mat Ishbia and the entire Phoenix Suns organization for the partnership. Thank you, fans, for your loyalty and support. More to come!!”

The Suns gave Booker the record contract extension despite the team not making the playoffs this past season after having a losing record of 36-46 and finishing in 11th place in the Western Conference. The team lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals. The Suns just participated in a seven-team trade that sent former Booker teammate Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.

“Devin Booker is the embodiment of the Phoenix Suns, representing the best of our organization, our community and our future,” said Suns owner Mat Ishbia. “As the team’s all-time leading scorer, his on-court achievements are unparalleled and the result of his relentless preparation and unwavering pursuit of excellence. His character, leadership and ‘I’ll do it’ mentality define the standards and culture we uphold. Moreover, his connection with our fans is unique – his impact resonates across the Valley, and his tireless efforts in supporting Arizona’s youth and families reflect the deep community bond we cherish.”

NYPD, Sean Bell, film, Eyes In 'Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story' — Photo by: Sergi Reboredo/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

by Mary Spiller

July 11, 2025

Family Seeks Answers After Teen Dies in NYPD Custody

Thomasina Cheatham says Saniyah was "all smiles just hours before," alleged suicide in police custody.

The family of 18-year-old Saniyah Cheatham is demanding answers after the Bronx college student was found dead in an NYPD holding cell, with officials calling the death a suicide.

According to the NYPD, Cheatham was discovered unresponsive in a cell at the 41st Precinct station house on Longwood Avenue just before 1 a.m. on Saturday.

Officers claim that she used a sweater to asphyxiate herself. Despite allegedly performing CPR until emergency responders arrived, Cheatham was later pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.

The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is now reviewing the circumstances of her death, CBS News reported.

“The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division investigation remains ongoing,” the department said in a statement.

Cheatham, a student at Bronx Community College, had been arrested Friday night following an alleged altercation with her friend.

Her family stated that both women were taken into custody after the fight, which happened just hours after Cheatham attended a July Fourth cookout in Crotona Park.

Her mother, Thomasina Cheatham, said the news of her daughter’s death does not align with the person she saw earlier that day.

“She was happy and I was happy to see her,” Saniyah’s mother said, recalling their time at the family gathering.

The NYPD has not yet confirmed the details of the altercation, but stated Cheatham was alone in her cell when she was found unresponsive around 12:40 a.m. The medical examiner has not officially determined the cause of death.

Though police have labeled the death a suicide, Cheatham’s mother remains skeptical. “She was all smiles just hours before,” she said, casting doubt on the official narrative.

The case has raised new concerns about conditions in NYPD custody and the treatment of detainees. Advocates for Cheatham and family members are calling for complete transparency, including the release of surveillance footage and detailed accounts of Cheatham’s final hours.

Snoop Dogg, trademark, Snoopsicles — (Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 11, 2025

Snoop Dogg’s NFT Gift Launch In Partnership With Telegram Sold Out In Minutes

Snoop Dogg's latest NFT launch hints at a major shift in the market.

Snoop Dogg is continuing his business venture in the NFT space with his latest digital partnership that sold out in minutes.

On June 9, the iconic hip-hop mogul partnered with cloud-based messaging app Telegram to debut the platform’s first-ever celebrity digital gift drop, TMZ reports. The launch saw an “unprecedented” response, with nearly a million non-fungible tokens (NFTs) sold on Telegram in just 30 minutes.

The success counters the prevailing narrative that the NFT market is “dead.” To amplify the launch, Snoop dropped a new track called “Gifts,” accompanied by a music video showcasing the full lineup of digital collectibles, including a vintage car, swag bags, a digital dog, cannabis-themed items, and a variety of other symbols.

Following the launch, Telegram founder Pavel Durov took to X to boast about the $12 million made from Snoop’s latest NFT drop. According to Durov, the collection was “inspired by Snoop’s iconic style.”

“Blockchain minting and the secondary market go live in 21 days. It’s going to be wild,” he added.

The Gifts Snoop just sold out of on Telegram are animated visuals users can showcase on their profiles or convert into the platform’s in-app currency, Stars. While the feature is gaining traction, the broader NFT market has struggled in 2025, with volumes dropping 61% in Q1 to $1.5 billion, down from the $ 3.8 billion it generated the year prior. Over the past 30 days alone, sales volume has declined by another 41% to just over $403 million, with transactions down by more than 55%, according to CryptoSlam.

However, Snoop’s sold-out NFT drop may signal a shift in the market. An X user, who leads NFT strategy at TON, pointed out that Telegram gifts aren’t entirely new; collections like “Plush Pepe” were released in January. Still, they noted the overwhelming response to Snoop’s collection “could be the start of a new NFT narrative,” while also acknowledging that “technically it could not mean anything” long-term.

Caster Semenya, testosterone — BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Caster Semenya of Team South Africa competes in the Mixed Relay race during the 2023 World Cross Country Championships at Mount Panorama on February 18, 2023 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images for World Athletics )

by Kandiss Edwards

July 11, 2025

European Court Backs Runner Caster Semenya, Igniting Sports Divide

After a 2023 dismissal, Caster Semenya was awarded a victory in appeal. The European courts ruled the athlete's claim did not receive a fair ruling.

Caster Semenya continues her fight following a major court ruling.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that she did not receive a “fair hearing.” On July 10, the ruling was handed down by Switzerland’s highest court. The ruling revives Semenya’s challenge against eligibility rules in athletics, Reuters reported.

The organization ruled 15-2 that Switzerland’s Federal Tribunal did not conduct a “rigorous judicial review. The decree sends the case back to Switzerland.

While the court did not rule on the discrimination Semenya alleges, the court believes the Olympian has a right to continue fighting. The court awarded Semenya €80,000 (about $94,000) for legal costs.

The Olympic gold medalist was kicked out of track and field after the court ruled that her naturally high testosterone disqualified her from competing. Semenya expressed her gratitude for the court’s ruling upon leaving the proceedings. She also pledged to continue the fight.

“Today, my patience in this journey has been rewarded with a result that will pave the way for all athletes’ human rights to be protected,” she said.

The runner-turned-coach did not make any statements on her social media platforms. Still, she posted photos acknowledging her longstanding fights. The first was Black “power fists” with an image of her standing in front of the European Court of Human Rights signage. She also posted an image of Audre Lorde’s, Your Silence Will Not Protect You. Seemingly, this is a nod to her commitment to speaking up against what she believes is an injustice.

https://twitter.com/MightyCaster/status/1943258075151917080

The athlete was assigned the female gender at birth. Additionally, she identifies as such. Other athletes with similar conditions take testosterone suppressants to comply with the International Association of Athletics Federations regulations, but Semenya refused. According to the regulations, female athletes’ testosterone levels must be lower than 2.5. The Swiss Court dismissed Semenya’s claim in 2023.

World Athletics defended the rules as a “necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of protecting fair competition in the female category,” according to Reuters.

Semenya is now 34 years old and will most likely no longer compete.

McDonalds,lawsuit, executives — photo credit: pexels

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

McDonald’s Manager Stabbed To Death By Employee In Michigan

The mother of six was killed after a verbal altercation with the employee

A manager working at a Michigan McDonald’s was arrested after she allegedly killed her manager after stabbing her several times before she attempted to flee the scene.

According to Fox 2 Detroit, 39-year-old Jennifer Harris, a mother of six and manager at the Eastpointe McDonald’s, had been stabbed to death by a 26-year-old employee July 10. Harris, who was known as Jamma, had been working at the fast food restaurant for 15 years before the fatal incident. Police authorities did not identify the employee.

The deadly incident took place before 8 a.m. as the two women were involved in a verbal altercation. After arguing, Harris requested that the employee leave the McDonald’s, and she did, but a person who was at the drive-thru stated that the young woman came back, but with a mask on her face. Upon her return, she stabbed Harris several times.

“She started stabbing her and I ran for help and basically asked everybody like “help help” or whatever,” the witness said. “I tried to stop her – it was no stopping her. She stabbed her everywhere.”

Police stated that a customer who is a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) holder saw what happened as he waited in line at the drive-thru. He pulled out his weapon and fired it into the air to get her to stop stabbing Harris. When the shot was fired, the suspect ran out of the restaurant. The man then exited his vehicle and caught up with her, and held her at gunpoint until police officers arrived at the scene.

The owner and operator of the franchise released a statement saying that the restaurant will be closed “until further notice” as they cooperate with police on the matter.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Yusef Alcodray in a written statement. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely serious, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.”

The children’s father is reportedly incarcerated, leaving them without either parent.

economic, Retirement, Savings, retirees, COLA, social security, contribute, IRA, IRS, payments, cost-of-living adjustments, contributions, boomers — SDI Productions/Getty Images

by Mitti Hicks

July 11, 2025

Nearly Half Of Black American Retirees Leave Workforce Early Due To Health Issues, Disabilities

44% of Black American retirees left the workforce earlier compared to 32% of non-Black retirees.

A new report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows nearly half of U.S. Black retirees left the workforce earlier than planned due to a health issue or disability. Forty-four percent of Black American retirees left the workforce earlier compared to 32% of non-Black American retirees.

Researchers polled more than 2,700 workers and retirees with an oversample of non-Hispanic Black respondents. According to the survey, Black Americans are more likely to have lower incomes and fewer assets, forcing many to go back to work. Sixty-six percent of Black employees reported that they needed the income to make ends meet, compared to 35% of their non-Black peers.

Black American Retirees Report Little Confidence in Savings

While confidence is lower for all Americans with lower incomes, Black Americans with incomes of less than $35,000 and those with incomes between $35,000 and $74,999 were more likely to be confident than non-Black Americans at the same income levels. There was no difference in confidence among those with incomes of $75,000 or more.

Even with higher incomes, Black Americans are still hesitant about retiring early. Those with incomes of $75,000 or more, 63% of Black Americans considered debt a problem for their household, compared with 45% of non-Black Americans. As a result, Black Americans in the same income groups say they are more likely to consider debt as impacting their ability to save for retirement or live comfortably in retirement.

“Black Americans reported disproportionately lower financial resources, and how they feel about retirement and financial security is clearly impacted by having less resources,” researchers concluded in the study. “In particular, Black retirees are struggling with a higher likelihood of their retirement lifestyle being worse than expected and having to retire earlier than planned because of a health problem or disability.”

While there is no magic number for retirement, financial analysts generally recommend having 10 times your annual income saved by the time you reach 67. If you earn $100,000 per year, you would aim to have $1,000,000 saved by the time of retirement.

Platforms such as SmartAsset offer resources that break down how much people should save each month, taking into account factors like state, expenses, and overall salary.

nelly, Trump — (Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

Nelly Invests In Horse Racing Franchise, Moving Team To St. Louis

'I’m excited to be part of bringing a new professional sports team to the city that means so much to me.'

St. Louis recording artist Cornell Haynes, AKA Nelly, has invested a large stake in a horse racing franchise in the National Thoroughbred League (NTL).

The team, which is relocating the franchise from Seattle to St. Louis, will be renamed the Nellies, referencing the famous horse term “Whoa, Nellie!” and honoring the rapper’s moniker.

“I’m excited to be part of bringing a new professional sports team to the city that means so much to me,” said Nelly in a written statement. “The St. Louis Cup is set to be one of the summer’s premier events, and I can’t wait to hit the track and celebrate with our incredible St. Louis fans.”

The NTL is the first team-based professional league in the horse racing industry. The league has 10 teams, some of which have celebrity backers, including Nelly, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving, country music singer Tanya Tucker, Rapper Rick Ross, and A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi White.

In celebration of the latest move, Nelly will be hosting the National Thoroughbred League’s Nelly Cup at Fairmount Park on Saturday, July 19. Attendees of The Nelly Cup will enjoy music, headlined by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jarobi White, with a Nelly-inspired fashion show. The event will be a welcome party for the team, featuring food and drinks, as it coincides with a centennial celebration for Fairmount Park.

“Nelly was an early investor in the National Thoroughbred League, and his expanded ownership role is a testament to the momentum and success we’ve built so far,” said Randall Lane, co-founder of the NTL. “Our mission is rooted in creating authentic connections and fan bases in every city we’re in, which is why each team’s ownership group includes individuals who have strong, personal ties to their local communities.”

For anyone interested in the upcoming event and/or more information about the NTL, you can go to www.NTL.Racing.

USPS, holiday shipping — (Photo: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

U.S. Postal Service Employees Allegedly Behind Many Stolen Checks

The Inspector General has confirmed that it's an issue, and they are investigating

Many checks that are stolen through the United States Postal Service (USPS) are being taken by employees of the company.

According to WSB-TV, many of the thefts occurring through the postal service are being committed by people who are working for the post office, as it was confirmed by the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General. There have been many cases showing that people are being busted performing illegal activities.

The media outlet has been investigating the issue for several years now and has spoken to victims who have been fleeced within the past year. Carol Herrmann, who is a pediatrician in Decatur, claimed that it has happened to her two times within the past six months.

“I feel there’s no sense of urgency in resolving this matter. I believe it’s just ho-hum, another day, this happens, and they move on,” Herrmann said to Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray.

Another victim, Decatur business owner Narit McCrary, was also at the bank with Herrmann with a similar story of being taken by thieves via checks. McCrary and Herrmann had checks stolen from the same downtown Decatur post office.

“On the picture of the check, it’s not my handwriting. They leave only my signature, that’s it,” McCrary said. “I feel like nobody cares. It’s not their business. It’s not their problem.”

The Inspector General revealed data showing that in the six months between October 2024 and March 2025, there were 872 investigations of mail theft that led to 254 people being arrested for crimes related to it.

Pictures taken by investigators within the post office inside the Atlanta sorting facility last year revealed that workers were allowed to keep personal items nearby while they sorted mail.

“We continue to focus on postal employees who steal from the mail, with a growing emphasis on external criminal organizations that target, recruit, and collude with them to steal valuable items like checks and credit cards,” the Inspector General said to the media outlet.