by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Mother Calls Out Teacher For Adding ‘Monkey’ Reference To Black Son’s Birthday Song

A mother is raising concerns after a teacher used the word ‘monkey’ while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her son.

A mother is speaking out after a teacher used the word “monkey” in her 6-year-old son’s birthday song.

Desarae Prather, mother of 6-year-old Legend Whitaker, was outraged after receiving a video from her son’s teacher at Floral Avenue Elementary in Bartow, Florida, showing the version of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to her Black son, 11 Alive reports.

“Happy Birthday to you. You live in the zoo, you look like a monkey, and you smell like one too,” the teacher can be heard singing.

“I automatically said, ‘That’s unacceptable.’ And I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Prather told 10 Tampa Bay News in a clip shared online.

https://twitter.com/SeeRacists/status/1973861685644701788

Prather said she went straight to the principal after the teacher sent her a video of the moment.

“I don’t like stuff like that,” Whitaker said, adding that the song hurt his feelings.

She highlighted the racist history of the word “monkey” and explained why its use in a school setting is deeply upsetting.

“My skin is boiling. I don’t even like racism, and to know where we come from, and our ancestors, and for us to be labeled like that, because when they call us, ‘Monkey,’ they’re saying we’re ugly; we act like monkeys,” Prather said. “Those are remarks I don’t like it at all.”

In a letter to the school board, Prather demanded an apology, immediate disciplinary action, and counseling for her son. After receiving no response, she went to the school in person and was informed that an investigation is underway to review the incident.

“No child should have to go to school and feel like they can’t confide in an authority figure without them calling them racial slurs, and that goes for any kid, not just my child,” Prather said. “Now I have to seek counseling for him because he was crying for not to be back in her class or even go back to that school.”

Following the incident, Prather said her son is too upset to return to school, fearing his classmates will call him a “monkey.” Although he was moved to a different classroom after the incident, he hasn’t gone back, and Prather now plans to transfer him to a new school.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Deion Sanders Admits Leg Is ‘Hurting Like Crazy,’ Suspects More Blood Clots

'I’m not getting blood to my legs. That’s why my leg is throbbing.'

After several years of good fortune as a college coach, it seems that things have not been that great for Colorado Buffaloes football’s head coach, Deion Sanders, as he announces that he thinks he has more blood clots in his leg.

According to USA Today Sports, after the Buffaloes’ latest defeat, Sanders admitted after the game that he is “hurting like crazy,” as his leg has been in pain recently. He stated he plans to see a doctor about it. His team suffered a loss to Texas Christian University, 35-21, on Oct. 4.

Sanders revealed over the summer that he had bladder cancer that is in remission. His health struggles in recent years also include poor circulation, leading to two of his toes being amputated in 2021 while he was still coaching Jackson State University. He spent 23 days in the hospital during the 2021 season.

In 2023, he took to social media to inform his followers that he had a big blood clot removed from his thigh and also had some below his knee taken out.

Now, it seems as if some of those problems have re-emerged for the NFL Hall of Famer.

“I think I got more blood clots,” Sanders told reporters. “Cat’s out of the bag, all right? I think I got more blood clots. It don’t make sense. I’m hurting like crazy.”

The coach was seen during the game taking a seat while he had one shoe off on the sideline.

“So that’s what’s going on. I’m not getting blood to my legs. That’s why my leg is throbbing. Sorry to get that out, but thank you for noticing.”

The team has been struggling this season, sporting a 2-4 record thus far. This is Sanders’ first season not coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. Sheduer is a member of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, while Shilo was cut in the preseason after suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Nigerian-American Creator Wins Tubi’s Inaugural Stubios Greenlight Contest

Rosemary Idisi’s original horror film "Glamping" will premiere on Tubi on Friday, Oct. 24.

Nigerian-American actress, writer, and producer Rosemary Idisi has won Tubi’s inaugural Stubios Greenlight Contest, the streaming platform announced on Oct. 3.

Her original horror/thriller film, Glamping, will premiere on the platform on Friday, Oct. 24.

Idisi received the most fan votes in Tubi’s first-ever contest, part of the platform’s new fan-driven creator studio designed to support aspiring filmmakers and their audiences.

“I’m passionate about bringing diverse characters to life on screen, especially in genres where we haven’t traditionally seen ourselves,” said Idisi. “Stubios gave me the access, mentorship, and community support that young filmmakers like me rarely receive. I can’t wait to bring GLAMPING to a broader audience.”

“Just a Nigerian girl with big dreams and stories to tell,” she gushed on X.

https://twitter.com/rosemaryidisi/status/1974240150088536286

Initially a short film, Glamping follows a seemingly perfect weekend getaway in Big Bear that turns horrifying when a masked killer targets aspiring influencer Olivia and her group of friends. The feature film expands on Idisi’s original short by diving deeper into the characters’ backstories to heighten suspense and see a more diverse representation of survival tactics in a traditional horror film.

The contest comes on the heels of Tubi’s 2024 launch of Stubios, part of Tubi for Creators. Stubios is a fan-driven creator studio that supports aspiring filmmakers with funding, mentorship, and a direct path to premiere their original long-form content on Tubi.

By giving creators greater control, Tubi seeks to bridge the gap to Hollywood, expand its audience, and champion underrepresented voices in media.

“At Tubi, we champion untold stories—and Rosemary’s genre-defying vision for Glamping is exactly that,” said Adam Lewinson, chief content officer at Tubi. “Congratulations to Rosemary for winning the Stubios Greenlight Content, and we’re thrilled to help bring her storytelling to Tubi, where stories truly find their audience.”

Bodycam Footage,kids , Stolen Vehicle Chase

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Charlotte School Bus Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teenage Boys

Leetwain Darrell Tate, known as “Ms. Sharon,” was arrested after investigators said he lured teenage boys to his home and assaulted them.

A Charlotte school bus driver who went by the name “Ms. Sharon” has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving teenage boys, according to police. Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, was taken into custody Sept 30 by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Tate faces two counts of statutory rape and six counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. Investigators say the alleged victims are boys aged 14 and 15, though authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WCNC, one of the teens reported that Tate offered him money in exchange for sexual acts. The minors were found staying at Tate’s home, which police believe was where the assaults occurred. Officials emphasized that none of the alleged incidents took place on school property or during Tate’s work hours as a bus driver.

Tate had been employed by Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte, where he drove school buses. The school suspended him after learning of the investigation, and his employment was officially terminated on September 30.

Tate is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1 million bond. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to identify any additional victims.

“I appreciate the work of the Crimes Against Children unit for their serious investigation, as well as the courage of these juvenile victims who came forward in this case,” Lt. Corey Geohagen said during a following press briefing.

“This is, by no means, easy for the victims to relive the terrible crimes committed against them, but their courage led to the arrest of a violent criminal. In many cases, crimes against children are never reported. Fear, shame, or threats of an abuser keep the victim silent, meaning there’s always a chance that more victims are suffering, suffering in silence.”

Residents of Tate’s neighborhood expressed shock following the arrest. “It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” neighbor Tony Sanders told WCNC. “Fourteen- or 15-year-olds can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming.”

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Police have urged anyone with information about Tate or possible victims to contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers.

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.”

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A post shared by Caddo DA (@caddoda)

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.

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 made a comment on Real Time with Bill Maher about the war in Gaza that was insensitive and hurtful. I apologize.

The suffering of the people of Gaza — especially the children — is not a punch line. I’m deeply sorry it came across that way. What’s happening to children in Gaza…
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) October 5, 2025

“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.”

I’m glad Van Jones apologized for his sick joking about dead kids in Gaza.

But the problem goes deeper: he spread Netanyahu propaganda that the mass killings of civilians in Gaza—including 20K+ kids—is Iranian fake news.

It’s not the students and young people who are fooled.… pic.twitter.com/MdvpcWRdUZ
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 5, 2025

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.

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.

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

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

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

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

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

PRESS RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A post shared by ARISE News (@arisenewsofficial)

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

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A post shared by Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu (@officialbenkalu)

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.”