Seattle, rat, toilets, rain, infestation

by Jameelah Mullen

December 28, 2025

Oh Rats! Seattle Officials Issue Warning Of Rodents Coming Up In Toilets Amid Heavy Rain

New fear unlocked.

After weeks of heavy rain, King County officials are warning Seattle-area residents of a possible nightmare scenario: rats could emerge from their toilets.

In a Facebook post, the Seattle and King County public health department urged residents to “stay calm” and then follow a series of steps, which include flushing the rat down the toilet. The Facebook post, which features comic-book-like illustrations, advises residents to crack open the lid and squeeze dishwashing liquid into the commode to help the rodent slide down into the pipes.

“A large rat may not flush down. In that case, keep the lid closed and call a pest control company,” the Facebook post says.

The city has seen the worst flooding in recent history this month. The flooding caused by heavy rain and overflowing rivers has damaged several highways and levees, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency in Washington state earlier this week.

Rodents are strong swimmers and can squeeze into small spaces, such as pipes, which is more common in homes and cities with older sewer systems, according to the pest control company Sewer Assassin. Heavy rain isn’t the only reason rats enter toilets; they can also enter when broken pipes allow passage, or when food scents reach drains, attracting the rodents.

Timothy Wong, the technical director of M&M Pest Control in Queens, New York, told The New York Times that the company sees about 20 incidents of rats in toilets each year, typically in dwellings located in the basement or on the first or second floors.

King County officials warn that rodents (rats and mice) are common pests in the Seattle area. Not only do they carry diseases that can cause sickness to humans, but they can also chew on electrical wires, which increases fire risks.

If you find a rat in your toilet, officials urge you to report it to the country’s Public Health department online or call Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Liberation Station Reopens After Threats Forced Closure Of North Carolina’s Black-Owned Children’s Bookstore

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site in Raleigh.

Liberation Station, a Black-owned children’s bookstore in North Carolina, is set to reopen its doors on Dec. 29 after closing its original location in 2024.

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site at 430 Hill Street in Raleigh. Founded by Victoria Scott-Miller and her husband, Liberation Station first opened on Fayetteville Street in 2023. The literary haven was one of the region’s few bookstores specializing in children’s books by and about Black authors and characters. It has been reported to be North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. According to Scott-Miller, Liberation Station aimed to give young readers stories in which they could see themselves reflected.

The reopening comes after a successful fundraising effort that included community donations and social media support. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $70,000, with some larger donors contributing to the campaign to help cover relocation costs, inventory, and operational expenses for the new Raleigh site.

After less than a year, the original store closed amid a barrage of threats and harassment directed at the owners and the space, prompting concerns for safety and the decision to pause operations.

Speaking with WRAL, Scott-Miller also thanked supporters for their continued love and support as the establishment worked to relocate and rebuild.

“I’m grateful that we had an opportunity to step back, and that we had a community that loves us so much that they allowed us to rest. they allowed us to pause and reimagine what it could look like, not only the bookstore, but then our own personal safety. And so, coming back has been, that of a revival” she said.

Liberation Station’s reopening event on Dec. 29 plans to welcome families and supporters as the bookstore resumes its role as a space for children and parents to explore literature rooted in diverse experiences.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

‘Big Brother’ Star Mickey Lee Dies After Flu Complications At 35

A GoFundMe campaign organized before Lee’s final health crisis to help cover medical expenses had raised more than $38,000 as of publication.

Reality television competitor Mickey Lee, best known for her appearance on “Big Brother,” season 27, has died at age 35. Lee’s family announced her death shortly after she was hospitalized following a series of health emergencies, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Lee, a fan-favorite on the CBS reality series “Big Brother” filmed in summer 2025, was hospitalized in late December after suffering multiple cardiac arrests linked to complications from the flu. Her condition quickly became critical, and her family shared the news of her death on Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

In a statement shared on Lee’s Instagram, the reality star’s family said she “captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on ‘Big Brother,’ where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike.” They added that she “will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen,” and asked for privacy as they mourn her loss.

Lee finished in 10th place on “Big Brother 27,” which aired on CBS in 2025. She was known for her vibrant personality and memorable moments as the show’s “Hero-Villain” during the competition. Lee’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former houseguests and members of the Big Brother community.

Big Brother family tributes included comments from fellow competitors recalling her warmth and character. Entertainment Weekly noted that many former contestants expressed grief and heartfelt messages on social media following the announcement of her passing.

Host Julie Chen Moonves, who led the series, also paid tribute to Lee in a social media post shared after her death, saying she would see Lee “again on the other side in eternity” and praying for comfort and healing for her loved ones.

A GoFundMe campaign organized before Lee’s final health crisis to help cover medical expenses had raised more than $38,000 as of publication. The campaign sought $40,000 and will now use the funds to cover memorial costs. Details regarding memorial services are expected to be announced later by the family.

South Carolina State University, Bulldogs, State Capital, flag

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

South Carolina HBCU Flag Will Fly Over The State’s Capitol For The First Time Ever

The flag-raising honors the South Carolina State Bulldogs, who won the 2025 Black College National Championship.

South Carolina State University’s success on the football field is being recognized at the South Carolina State House with the first-ever flyover of an HBCU flag following the Bulldogs’ national championship.

Lawmakers and university leaders announced that the South Carolina State University flag will be raised over the State House on Jan. 19, 2026. The historic moment will coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Along with the flag raising, a ceremony celebrating the school’s victory and its contributions to the state will also take place, HBCU Gameday reported.

The flag-raising honors the South Carolina State Bulldogs, who won the 2025 Black College National Championship with a 40–38, four-overtime victory against Prairie View A&M in the Celebration Bowl. The achievement cemented the university’s status as one of the premier sports programs among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

State Rep. Hamilton R. Grant announced the recognition for the HBCU in a post on X.

“We are pleased to announce that Governor McMaster has honored our request! For the first time in our state’s history, an HBCU Flag will fly high above our Capitol. Congratulations again to the 2025 National HBCU Champions!” Grant wrote.

We are pleased to announce that Governor McMaster has honored our request! For the first time in our state’s history, an HBCU Flag will fly high above our Capitol.

Congratulations again to the 2025 National HBCU Champions! @deon_tedder pic.twitter.com/PBBtRbyHga
— Hamilton R. Grant (@GrantForSC) December 23, 2025

The request to honor the South Carolina State Bulldogs was a joint effort by SC legislators. House Rep. Grant, Rep. Jerry Govan, and Sen. Deon Tedder appealed to the state’s current governor, Gov. Henry McMaster. The HBCU will be added to a number of the state’s institutions that have shown excellence worthy of such an honor. Previous flags flown at the Capitol include, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of South Carolina.

The Jan. 19 ceremony will take place on the State House grounds and is expected to include remarks from state officials, university representatives, and members of the community. The event also coincides with observances marking Black History Month.

basketball, NBA Draft Pick, James Nnaji , Baylor University

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

7-Foot Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Signs With Baylor University

The university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Baylor University has just signed a former NBA Draft pick, 7-foot center James Nnaji, to play out the rest of this current season.

According to On3, the university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. The NCAA has granted him four years of eligibility, although he played professionally overseas before committing.

NEWS: 7-foot center James Nnaji, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has committed to Baylor, source told @On3sports.

The 21-year-old big man will play the second half of the season and has been granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA.https://t.co/3Qddu13Lyi pic.twitter.com/R0D9Z1s1sC
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 24, 2025

Nnaji has never played in the NBA, although he did play in this year’s NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. After the Pistons drafted him, their rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. As part of the deal that brought the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, the New York team acquired Nnaji’s rights.

However, he played overseas, most recently for FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague before leaving the team in August.

According to Scripps News, Baylor’s coach seemed excited about the recent addition.

“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor family,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition. Our immediate focus is on helping him take things step by step to ensure it’s best for both him and the team when he’s able to take the court.”

Injuries have decimated Baylor’s basketball team. Most recently, freshman forward Maikcol Perez suffered a knee injury, and center Juslin Bodo Bodo had an arm injury that has kept them out all season.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Trump’s Niece Warns America Is Headed Toward ‘Something Awful’

Mary Trump predicts continued political decline unless significant changes occur.

Mary L. Trump, the estranged niece of Donald Trump, wrote that the United States is “on the precipice of something awful” and warned that the president’s leadership is faltering amid mounting political and economic pressures, according to Newsweek.

In a Dec. 23 post on her Substack newsletter, “The Good in Us, Mary Trump,” said the president has “lost the ability to control the narrative” and is on a “slippery slope down which he will continue to slide.” She wrote that his pattern of “lying, spinning, and obfuscating” has become less effective, making him appear “diminished to the point of impotence” to some observers.

Mary Trump attributed the president’s struggles to what she characterized as a growing inability to address the country’s problems. Mary says the solutions have become more complex and that Trump can pretend issues do not exist, but cannot persuade others that they do not either. She wrote that reversing course would require him to recognize his limitations, defer to experts, and admit mistakes — steps she argued he is incapable of taking, Newsweek reported.

While Mary Trump said the United States could still recover from its current course, her message was bleak about her uncle’s trajectory, predicting continued political decline unless significant changes occur.

Trump’s approval ratings have declined this year, with a YouGov/The Economist poll showing a majority of voters disapproving of his performance in office, the Newsweek report added.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the criticism in comments to Newsweek, calling Mary Trump a “stone-old loser who doesn’t have a clue about anything.” The remark underscored the administration’s rejection of her assessment.

The Substack post and the reaction come on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to target Nigerian “extremists” on Christmas Day. Preceding these attacks, President Trump, along with Department of Defense officials, has also spoken of an impending war with Venezuela to claim its oil reserves.

Tyler Perry, sexual assault lawsuit, actor

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Tyler Perry Faces Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed By Actor

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez.

Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault, marking the second time a male actor has brought claims against the filmmaker and studio executive.

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez. In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges Perry sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions after inviting him to his home to discuss potential acting opportunities. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages, according to court records.

According to the complaint, first obtained and reported by People, the alleged incidents occurred between 2015 and 2019. Rodriguez claims he first connected with Perry in 2015 and was later cast as a background actor in “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” After the appearance, Rodriguez alleges Perry invited him to additional meetings to discuss future roles and career advancement.

The lawsuit claims that during those meetings, Perry made unwanted sexual advances toward Rodriguez. One alleged incident in 2018 involved Perry fondling Rodriguez’s genitalia. The complaint states that Rodriguez resisted and that a physical struggle followed before he was released. The filing further alleges that Rodriguez was told that if he complied with Perry’s advances, he would be “taken care of,” though the lawsuit does not specify what that entailed.

Rodriguez also alleges that after later encounters, Perry gave him $5,000 and an apology following another instance of alleged unwanted touching. The complaint characterizes the alleged offers as attempts to silence him and maintain control over his career prospects.

Tyler Perry is facing a new $77 million sexual assault lawsuit filed by actor Mario Rodriguez, who alleges unwanted advances and promises of roles. ⚖️🤦🏾‍♂️🍦https://t.co/7O2LMnYX5I

Perry’s legal team strongly denies the claims.#TylerPerry #MarioRodriguez #Lawsuits #SexualAssault pic.twitter.com/rvxnZGUMlf
— Xavi-IceCreamConvos (@MsXaviB) December 27, 2025

Rodriguez addressed the lawsuit publicly in a social media video, describing the emotional toll of coming forward.

“For a long time, guys, I didn’t want to say anything, and I wanted to tell you guys why I didn’t want to say anything,” Rodriguez said. “But when it happened to me, I felt ashamed. I was scared. Because of the judgment and the questions that people were going to start asking, almost like they were going to blame me for just being there.”

Perry has denied the allegations through his attorney. Alex Spiro, who represents the media mogul, said the lawsuit is an attempt to extract money through false claims. He also says the lawyer in the case, who is also representing another Perry accuser, is being opportunistic.

“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro said in a statement provided to People.

The case remains pending, and no trial date has been set. Perry has not commented directly beyond his attorney’s statement.

Albany State University, David Bowser , football

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

David Bowser Hired As Football Head Coach At Albany State University

'I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy and tradition of this first-class institution and its outstanding football program,' said Bowser.

Albany State University recently announced its next football head coach, bringing in David Bowser to lead the program.

The school’s president, Dr. Robert Scott, and director of Athletics, Dr. Kristene Kelly, made the announcement on Dec. 24.

https://twitter.com/ASUGoldenRams/status/2003851912827854980

“I want to thank President Dr. Robert Scott, Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristene Kelly, and the entire administration at Albany State University for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me to lead this great football program,” said Bowser in a written statement. “I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy and tradition of this first-class institution and its outstanding football program.”

Bowser is leaving Johnson C. Smith University, where he recently served as the special assistant to the head football coach, director of player Personnel, and linebackers, playing a significant role in the school’s success. While at Johnson C. Smith, Bowser supported roster management and recruiting strategy, oversaw key operational functions, and coached linebackers. He also contributed to the university’s academic accountability, compliance, and day-to-day football operations.

“Albany State football has experienced tremendous momentum, and our focus is on sustaining that success while continuing to grow as an institution,” said Dr. Scott. “Coach Bowser brings the leadership, experience, and vision necessary to guide this program forward in alignment with the University’s goals for growth, accountability, and excellence.”

Before his latest role, Bowser was Saint Augustine University’s athletic director and head football coach. He oversaw 12 NCAA Division II programs, managed athletic department budgets, led fundraising efforts, strengthened compliance structures, and implemented staff evaluation and accountability systems. While on the football field, he rebuilt the roster, emphasized academic progress, and generated support for the program through targeted fundraising initiatives.

Bowser played his collegiate football career at North Carolina State University,

Bowser will start as the school’s head coach on Jan. 5, 2026.

Nickelodeon, Daniel Curtis Lee, Tylor Chase, hotel, homeless, child star

by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Homeless Nickelodeon Actor Trashes Hotel After Co-Star Tries To Get Him Off The Streets

the motel room was severely damaged within hours of Chase checking in.

Former child actor Tylor Chase, known for his role on the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, remains homeless and is struggling with untreated mental health and substance issues, and a well-intended effort by a former co-star to provide temporary shelter ended in chaos.

Chase, 36, was seen living on the streets of California in a viral TikTok video. The footage prompted former Ned’s Declassified co-star Daniel Curtis Lee — who played “Cookie” on the series — to drive from Los Angeles to Riverside to check on Chase’s welfare and offer assistance.

Lee shared updates on Chase’s condition and arranged a hotel room so the Nickelodeon actor could have temporary shelter from inclement weather over the holidays.

However, according to Lee’s later posts, the motel room was severely damaged within hours of Chase checking in, with the door left open, the refrigerator overturned, and a microwave found in the bathtub. Lee said motel staff contacted him to report the state of the room. He said he was “devastated” by the outcome.

“I received a call from management. They’re upset,” Lee said. “The door is left open. Why is there a microwave in the tub? The refrigerator is turned over. I just feel so devastated. I am at a loss.”

@danielcurtislee
Happy Holidays. Difficult conversation about Tylor Chase and his recovery journey. #tylorchase #danielcurtislee #nedsdeclassified #shelter #epidemic
♬ original sound – Daniel Curtis Lee

Chase’s family previously discouraged efforts to give him cash after a small GoFundMe raised about $1,200. The family believed his problems needed more than monetary offerings. His mother has said he faces serious mental health challenges and substance abuse. Money would only worsen his situation. In his TikTok post, Lee says the family attempted to lodge Chase to no avail. However, he’d hoped this time the opportunity would help.

“I’m at a loss, and his Family told me that they had tried the, the hotel thing before and it didn’t work, and of course, Danny, why did you assume that you were gonna be able to, you, you know, just fix this situation.”

Lee’s commentary on the situation shifted as the video went on, bringing light to the mental health and unhoused. He also spoke about the government’s role in helping its mentally ill, drug addicted, and/or just down on their luck citizens.

“We have all these social systems where help should be provided for these people facing mental health issues, drug abuse issues, right? Taxpayers vote on this stuff all the time. 5150 exists. A third party should be able to get someone into treatment. [or] a psychological evaluation to figure out what is going on and allow them to detox. I’m just crushed that these systems are not working effectively,” Lee said.

Lee’s concerns are valid, as a report by Congress states, on any given night in the U.S., “there were 771,480 total people experiencing homelessness.” The staggering numbers on homelessness are similar to the statistics for drug addiction; the CDC says over 100,000 people die from drug overdoses yearly. The number does not reflect the number of people living with the illness.

While social safety nets are not working efficiently, people like Lee continue to show compassion and empathy to those who have lost their way. For now, it will have to be enough.

Donald Trump,judge, DEI, Executive orders

by Mary Spiller

December 27, 2025

Federal Judge Stops Trump Administration From Revoking Security Clearance Of Whistleblower Attorney

Court rules presidential memo targeting Washington lawyer Mark Zaid amounts to political retaliation and cannot be enforced against him.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from stripping the security clearance of prominent Washington attorney Mark Zaid, dealing another legal setback to President Donald Trump’s efforts to target perceived political opponents.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali issued a preliminary injunction preventing the enforcement of a March presidential memorandum that ordered the revocation of Zaid’s clearance. The directive also named 14 other individuals, but, according to the ruling, could not be applied to Zaid as written.

The decision came the same day the Supreme Court declined to approve Trump’s request to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area, marking a second courtroom loss for the administration in a single day. Together, the rulings underscore how Trump’s policy and personnel actions have been repeatedly slowed or halted by judges since his return to office.

As reported by The Washington Post, Zaid filed suit in May, arguing that the revocation was motivated by politics rather than legitimate security concerns. In court filings, he described the Trump administration’s move as “improper political retribution” that threatened his ability to represent clients involved in sensitive national security matters.

Judge Ali agreed, writing that the government cannot use expedited clearance revocations to punish attorneys for their legal work. “This court joins the several others in this district that have enjoined the government from using the summary revocation of security clearances to penalize lawyers for representing people adverse to it,” Ali stated in his order.

The March memorandum stated that it was “no longer in the national interest” for Zaid and others to retain security clearances. The list included several high-profile figures who have drawn Trump’s criticism, including former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Joe Biden, and members of Biden’s family.

The action is part of a broader pattern since Trump’s return to the White House, which has included directing investigations into critics and issuing executive orders targeting law firms and attorneys involved in cases he opposes. In August, the administration announced it was revoking the clearances of 37 current and former national security officials.

Zaid has practiced national security law for nearly 35 years and has represented clients from across the political spectrum, including military officials, law enforcement officers, and whistleblowers. In 2019, he represented an intelligence community whistleblower whose complaint about Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contributed to Trump’s first impeachment.

Ali emphasized that the ruling does not permanently bar the government from reviewing Zaid’s clearance. The administration may still pursue revocation through standard procedures unrelated to the presidential memo. The injunction is set to take effect Jan. 13.

In a statement following the ruling, Zaid said the decision sends a broader message. “This is not just a victory for me,” he said. “It’s an indictment of the Trump administration’s attempts to intimidate and silence the legal community, especially lawyers who represent people who dare to question or hold this government accountable.”