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‘What Kind of Person Cuts Somebody’s Head Off?’: Wisconsin Man Found Guilty of Sade Robinson Murder After Prosecutors Reveal Suspect Had Deleted Photos of Her Incapacitated On Phone

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:15

Prosecutors admitted a mountain of evidence connecting Maxwell Anderson to the grisly murder of 19-year-old Sade Robinson, against a defense that presented very little in a trial that lasted less than two weeks and ultimately ended in Anderson’s conviction Friday.

Anderson was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, hiding a corpse, and arson in connection with Robinson’s death.

Anderson was accused of taking Robinson on a first date on April 1, 2024, then killing her, dismembering her body, and scattering her body parts across the city of Milwaukee.

Sade Robinson’s body was found severed after allegedly going on a date with Maxwell Anderson, left. (Photos: Facebook/Sade Robinson, Milwaukee County Circuit Court)

The day after their date, local police were called to a Lake Michigan park where Robinson’s severed leg had washed up on shore. Her scorched car was also found in an alley in the city that same day.

The ghastly nature of her death drew national attention and spurred volunteer efforts to locate her remains, some of which are still missing. A few of her body parts were even found on Lake Michigan shores in the neighboring state of Illinois.

Investigators collected cellphone location data and surveillance images from Milwaukee to piece together a timeline of events covering Anderson’s and Robinson’s movements on their date until the time when her leg was found the next day.

Prosecutors presented 300 pieces of evidence during the trial and called 65 witnesses, including law enforcement agents, forensic experts, Robinson’s friends, Anderson’s former girlfriend, and his former tenant, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

A confidential informant who knows Anderson also told police that Anderson planned the killing weeks in advance, walked them through his murder plot, and even showed them three saws in his basement, which was covered from floor to ceiling in paint tarp.

Anderson’s cellphone data also revealed photos of Robinson that he later deleted, showing her incapacitated and partially undressed. The 19-year-old’s DNA was found on a sweater Anderson was wearing the day after the date, and bus transit security footage also showed him wearing a backpack on April 2 that detectives never found.

Against the prosecution’s substantial case, Anderson’s attorneys presented no evidence and called no witnesses. They rested their case just minutes after the state rested its. Anderson also waived his right to testify.

But in his closing arguments, defense attorney Anthony Cotton took aim at the lack of DNA evidence connecting Anderson to Robinson’s death, stating that his client’s DNA wasn’t found in Robinson’s burned car and that her DNA wasn’t found at Anderson’s home.

“I didn’t see any evidence of an intent to kill Sade,” Cotton said, adding that Anderson went to work the next day with no issues.

“You didn’t hear from one person who said suddenly his behavior is different or that he started acting strange, he continued to work, stayed in the area, didn’t cut his hair, didn’t change his appearance, didn’t have a ton of cash in his car with a passport to Mexico. None of that,” Cotton added, per WITI.

Lead prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan underscored several portions of their case to the jury and unequivocally declared Anderson Robinson’s killer.

“What kind of person cuts off someone’s head off? A killer. A killer who’s trying to get away with killing,” Vance-Curzan said. “There is no question about the person responsible for doing it. The killer, it’s him, the last person to be with her, last one texting her, the last one whose residence she was at, the last one who had her car, the last one who had her phone, the last one who was with her. The one who burned her car.”

The 33-year-old’s trial began on May 27 and lasted 9 days.

It took the jury less than an hour to deliberate and return their verdict on June 6, convicting Anderson on all four charges he faced.

Maxwell’s attorneys said they “respect the jury’s verdict.” Anderson’s family was not present at his trial.

“My heart goes out to Sade’s family,” Cotton stated after the verdict was delivered. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”

Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbrough, briefly spoke to the press after the trial concluded. She provided no comment on the verdict, but took the time to remember her daughter.

“She will be forever remembered as an angel. She is a hero,” Scarbrough said. “I haven’t really had a day to breathe since April of last year.”

Scarbrough formed a foundation to honor her daughter, which offers scholarships and self-defense classes to women. She also raised funds from the Milwaukee community to install a memorial in the city dedicated to Sade.

Verona Swanigan, an attorney representing Robinson’s family, said the family intends to advocate for legislation to combat sex trafficking and the kidnapping of women.

They will also pursue their wrongful death lawsuit against Anderson, which was filed last June.

Anderson will be sentenced on Aug. 15. In Wisconsin, a first-degree intentional homicide conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

‘What Kind of Person Cuts Somebody’s Head Off?’: Wisconsin Man Found Guilty of Sade Robinson Murder After Prosecutors Reveal Suspect Had Deleted Photos of Her Incapacitated On Phone

‘Trying to Make a Mockery of My Son’: Family Furious After ‘Disrespectful’ Anonymous Packages Sent to 8-Year-Old Boy Paralyzed from Hit-and-Run Accident

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 18:00

The February traffic accident that left 8-year-old Ny’Leek Ellison paralyzed from the neck down brought the Chester, Pennsylvania, community together. A GoFundMe page was set up. A “walk for justice” was organized and attended by family, friends, police and others heartbroken by the news.

But not everyone wishes Ny’Leek the best, it appears. His parents have come forward after “disrespectful” packages addressed to their son were sent to their home, said his mother, Antia Carrington, to Fox Philadelphia.

The packages, which had no return address, included a book called “The Little Pedestrian’s Guide to Traffic Rules,” a traffic safety coloring book, and a stop-and-go traffic paddle.

Ny’Leek Ellison is paralyzed from the neck down after a hit-and-run in February 2025. (Photo: GoFundMe)

“Why would y’all send this to my house to my son?” Carrington said. “I felt as though somebody was trying to make a mockery of my son.”

Ny’Leek, accompanied by his brother Ny’Dir, was getting off a school bus when he was hit, police say, by a car driven by 22-year-old Caleb Campbell, who didn’t stop to check on his victim. He remained on the run for more than three weeks before he was captured by authorities and charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, a felony. Campbell is being held on a $500,000 bond.

According to police, Campbell sped around the bus and hit Ny’Leek as he crossed the road on his way home.

Ny’Leek sustained 10 broken bones and now requires a ventilator with a trach in his throat to help him breathe, his mother said. He remains in recovery at Shriners’ Children’s Hospital.

“He’s 8 years old and he’s paralyzed from the neck down, so he’s basically defenseless. So why direct this anger toward an innocent child?” said the boy’s father, Micah Ellison. “If it was something good they would have left their name or they would have sent a card, but there wasn’t none of that. It was somebody being smart or should I say somebody being ignorant or dumb.”

“This is unacceptable,” he said.

The packages have the parents concerned about Ny’Leek’s safety. They turned them over to Chester police, who have launched an investigation.

“I took it to the higher authorities so that somebody can address this situation,” Carrington said.

While his parents struggle to deal with the tragedy, Ny’Leek continues to inspire them.

“His spirits are up. His smile keeps my day bright even when it rains,” Ellison said.

Though he faces a long recovery, his mother remains hopeful Ny’Leek will one day walk again.

Carrington said she plans to attend every one of Campbell’s court hearings and hopes the case drags on long enough so that Ny’Leek can face the man who forever altered his life.

“Rather, it’s in a wheelchair, rather it’s walking in that courtroom, my son is going to be in that courtroom,” she said.

A GoFundMe, set up by Ny’Leek’s aunt Adrienne Crumpton, has so far raised more than $26,000.

“We’re asking for prayers and donations to help with the expensive costs of home modifications, medical equipment, In-Home care, and ongoing rehabilitation,” Crumpton wrote.

If you’d like to contribute, you can do so here.

‘Trying to Make a Mockery of My Son’: Family Furious After ‘Disrespectful’ Anonymous Packages Sent to 8-Year-Old Boy Paralyzed from Hit-and-Run Accident

‘No Denial?’: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Slammed for Dodging Epstein Allegation After Musk Accuses Trump of Being in Sealed Files, Calls It Just an ‘Unfortunate Episode’

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:45

The bromance between tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump appears to be over, imploding in a spectacular public spectacle this week as the country and world looked on.

The intensifying drama took another turn Thursday when Musk made a shocking revelation on his social media platform X.

“Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk said. “[Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.”

Karoline Leavitt (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“Have a nice day, DJT!” he added.

A few minutes later, he tossed another loaded volley. “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”

Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025

The names of plenty of famous people have been linked to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, to name a few. Their names were mentioned in court documents as part of the case detailing Epstein’s decades of sexual abuse, according to The Hill.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 at a New York City jail.

Trump didn’t waste any time throwing his own hardballs back at Musk, although he seemed to tread a bit more lightly than he would have if attacked like this by any other critic.

“Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!” Trump posted Thursday on his Truth Social platform.

Before adding an ominous threat of his own, “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!”

Then he linked the ongoing feud with Musk to the billionaire’s opposition to the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

“I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,” Trump wrote.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Musk’s allegation that Trump had ties to Epstein “an unfortunate episode,” according to CNN White House producer Samantha Waldenberg.

“This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted,” Leavitt said.

“The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again,” she added.

“I don’t see a denial here,” an X user posted. And another user concurred, “Duh! Trump is in those files. Bet on it!”

Duh! Trump is in those files. Bet on it!

— Dr G (@eg1701) June 5, 2025

Still other users criticized Leavitt, contending her response wasn’t strong enough. “Very weak statement by Leavitt. She should’ve came out much stronger in defending The President,” Recover Republic posted.

Another user doesn’t believe Musk at all. “So you think the Democrats withheld the Epstein Files knowing Donald Trump was in there? No way! They would have released that in a New York minute and blasted him. It would have been front page headline news around the world & that would have been the platform the Democrats ran on.”

Last year, Trump denied any relationship with Epstein. “I was never on Epstein’s Plane, or at his ‘stupid’ Island,” he wrote on social media

The relationship between Trump and Musk has been unraveling publicly for a week now, starting with Musk’s criticism of Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” in an interview with CBS News.

The measure is now under debate in the Senate. The House passed it just before Memorial Day. The Congressional Budget Office just released an estimate showing the legislation, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and makes massive cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, among many other provisions, would add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over 10 years.

‘No Denial?’: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Slammed for Dodging Epstein Allegation After Musk Accuses Trump of Being in Sealed Files, Calls It Just an ‘Unfortunate Episode’

‘She Just Embarrassing Her Son!’: Larsa Pippen Shares Date Night Photos with Young Basketball Player, Leaving Fans Stunned By Marcus Jordan’s Replacement

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:30

Scottie Pippen’s ex-wife Larsa Pippen is ready to walk down the aisle once again as she openly flaunts her love for her new beau, former international basketball player Jeff Coby.

Now their romance has made headlines again — simply because of Larsa’s history with men and their 19-year age gap.

The couple, who have been dating for several months, recently made headlines when Pippen shared an intimate dinner photo on social media on June 5.

Larsa Pippen shares new pics from her date night with young basketball player. (Photos: @larsapippen/Instagram; @JC40A3/X)

The snapshot showed the two lovebirds dressed elegantly in black, with Pippen keeping her caption simple yet telling with just two words: “Us.”

Coby quickly responded in the comments section, writing “Big Love,” signaling the depth of their connection to their followers.

However, not everyone is celebrating this new chapter in Pippen’s love life. When The Shade Room featured the couple as part of their #TSRBaywatch series, social media users didn’t hold back their opinions.

One person wrote, “She just embarrassing her son!!” as someone else said, “Imagine her as your mother.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Larsa Pippen (@larsapippen)

The criticism continued with another user commenting, “All these new dudes but still using pippen last name.”

Perhaps the harshest commentary came from someone who said, “She getting passed around like a 40oz at a BBQ in Compton.”

Another person questioned, “Does she have an unlimited basketball player subscription?”

Despite the online chatter, the 31-year-old Coby appears undeterred by public opinion and has made his intentions crystal clear. He wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

During a recent encounter with TMZ paparazzi while walking hand-in-hand with Pippen through a bustling Miami neighborhood in May, the Columbia University graduate made a surprising announcement that caught even Pippen off guard.

Initially, the couple attempted to ignore the cameras and continue their stroll, but Coby desultorily mumbled, “We’re getting married in November 2025.”

He quickly corrected himself, changing the year to 2026.

When the cameraman pressed the couple for clarification, Coby continued.

“We’re getting married. It’s going to be a beautiful marriage. November 2025,” he stated haltingly.

Pippen’s reaction was telling — she looked up at her boyfriend with apparent surprise before covering her face with her hand and closing her eyes in what appeared to be embarrassment.

When asked directly about proposal plans, Coby maintained some mystery, responding, “I can’t tell you when I’m going to propose.”

This potential marriage would mark Pippen’s second trip to the altar.

Scottie Pippen’s ex Wife Larsa has been awarded half of his 401K from the Chicago Bulls. She will receive 50% of the value no matter if it’s still money in the account. If the money is gone, she will take other asset’s. The couple had a prenup but Larsa claims she convinced… pic.twitter.com/8agLoU8B94

— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) June 22, 2023

Her first marriage to NBA legend Scottie Pippen lasted 19 years and produced four children: sons Scotty Pippen Jr., now 24, Preston Pippen, 21, Justin Pippen, 18, and 16-year-old daughter Sophia Pippen. That union officially ended in December 2021.

Following her divorce, Pippen’s dating life became a frequent topic of public discussion.

At age 45, she entered a relationship with then-23-year-old Detroit Pistons player Malik Beasley in 2020.

Most recently, Pippen spent nearly two years in an on-and-off relationship with Marcus Jordan, the son of Michael Jordan, a former teammate of her ex-husband. Michael was reportedly against his son dating her but tolerated it while they were together.

Contrary to what Michael Jordan recently said, his son, Marcus, and Larsa Pippen tell ET’s @bricesander that he approves of their relationship. pic.twitter.com/OZZHIG51qb

— Anthony Dominic (@alloveranthony) July 5, 2023

Their relationship, which began in 2022 and ended in July 2024, also drew criticism due to their 16-year age difference, with Pippen being 48 and Jordan 32. Despite discussions of marriage during their time together, the couple never reached the engagement stage before their relationship ultimately dissolved.

Whether she is dating Pippen, Beasley, Jordon, or Coby, one thing the “Real Housewives of Miami” star doesn’t seem to do is care what others think. She is looking for her forever, and now with Coby by her side, Pippen appears to have found it.

‘She Just Embarrassing Her Son!’: Larsa Pippen Shares Date Night Photos with Young Basketball Player, Leaving Fans Stunned By Marcus Jordan’s Replacement

Cops Launched Unprovoked Attack on New Jersey Man, Covered His Head with Bag, Brutally Beat Him Inside Police Car, Then Falsely Charged Him, Lawsuit Alleges

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 17:06

A New Jersey man accused several police officers of violently attacking him without cause outside his local bar two years ago, and then illegally arresting him.

Gregory Williams, a resident of Bloomfield, New Jersey, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Jersey City, its police department and police chief, and several police officers following the alleged unprovoked attack in 2023.

A close-up view of a police vehicle with blue lights patrolling near a public park with the windows and doors closed (Getty Images)

The complaint states that on March 4, 2023, Williams visited the Halftime Bar & Grill when he was stopped by one female officer who “aggressively and vulgarly” ordered him to move his car.

Williams complied and moved his car, but when he approached the bar’s entrance again, a male officer blocked his path.

The cop did not explain why he stopped Williams, but only moments later, another officer grabbed Williams from behind and tried to drag him to the ground, the complaint states.

At that point, four officers restrained Williams’ arms behind his back, and one punched him in the face, causing him to briefly lose consciousness, according to the suit.

Then, Williams was “slammed to the ground, and his face was repeatedly and forcefully pressed into the concrete sidewalk,” the complaint states.

The officers then allegedly placed Williams in a police vehicle, covered his head with a bag, and continued to assault him.

Williams claimed he never fought back or resisted arrest. The complaint states that he was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, then booked into a county jail where he was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, throwing bodily fluid on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and failure to disperse. Those charges were later dismissed, according to the suit.

The suit asserts several civil rights violations, excessive use of force, assault, battery, and conspiracy.

Williams, a Hispanic man, also alleged that the Jersey City Police Department has a “longstanding and well-documented pattern of using excessive force” against Black and Hispanic civilians.

The complaint also accuses the police agency of “failing to discipline officers who engage in constitutional violations, and inadequately training and supervising its officers regarding the use of force and constitutional rights of individuals.”

As an example, the suit cites a 2021 lawsuit revealing how one JCPD officer faced no substantial disciplinary action after facing seven separate excessive force investigations in five years.

Williams also cited another case similar to his own in which a Jersey City man sued the city’s police officers, alleging they launched an unprovoked attack on him in 2016, then charged and jailed him for six months. The charges were later dismissed, and the city settled the lawsuit for $25,000.

The case of Miguel Feliz, which made national headlines, was also included in the complaint as another example of heinous police brutality. Feliz was an innocent bystander whose car was struck by another vehicle that was being chased by police in 2017.

The crash caused Feliz’s car to catch fire, and when Feliz emerged from his vehicle engulfed in flames, he was beaten and dragged by JCPD officers. The officers involved in the beating were charged and took plea deals that barred them from working in law enforcement in New Jersey.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.

Cops Launched Unprovoked Attack on New Jersey Man, Covered His Head with Bag, Brutally Beat Him Inside Police Car, Then Falsely Charged Him, Lawsuit Alleges

‘Get Out of Here!’: Off-Duty New York Cop Who Ripped Black Tech’s Light Off Work Truck, Scattering Glass In Man’s Face While He ‘Was Just Doing His Job’ Indicted on Hate Crime Charges

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 15:00

Prosecutors have officially indicted a suburban New York police detective on hate crimes connected to a racist attack on a Black cell technician last year.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office released details on the new indictment against 41-year-old John Murphy, a detective with the Village of Rockville Centre Police Department.

Rockville Centre Police Officer John Murphy appears in court for a hate crime case. (Photo: YouTube screenshot/Eyewitness News ABC7NY)

On Nov. 3, 2024, the cellphone company employee, 48-year-old Derick Anwhere, was driving around a Long Island suburban neighborhood in his work-issued vehicle, surveying and inspecting cellphone towers to ensure the networks were properly transmitting service.

After inspecting one tower behind a residential cul-de-sac in Manorville, he parked his vehicle at a street corner to complete some paperwork.

A neighbor called Murphy to alert him about Anwhere’s vehicle, prompting Murphy to leave his home and approach Anwhere, who was seated in his car.

Murphy questioned Anwhere’s presence in the neighborhood, and when Anwhere tried to show him his employee ID, Murphy stuck his arm through an open car window, opened the door, and grabbed Anwhere’s laptop, according to prosecutors.

When Anwhere grabbed his laptop back, Murphy allegedly slammed the car door shut, called Anwhere a racial slur, and told him, “Get out of here, we don’t want you or your like in the neighborhood.”

Murphy then grabbed an amber light off the top of Anwhere’s work vehicle and threw it at the car, causing it to shatter, according to prosecutors. Then, he allegedly kicked Anwhere’s car, causing damage.

Prosecutors also say that Murphy threw the broken light at the car again as Anwhere drove off.

When Anwhere finally drove to safety, he called 911.

Anwhere spoke about the terrifying encounter to local and national news outlets. The 48-year-old said Murphy didn’t believe him when he told him why he was in the neighborhood.

“He gets agitated. His first words, ‘You’re lying, you’re lying.’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean I’m lying? You see my work ID hanging in the vehicle. You see the siren,'” Anwhere previously told CBS News. “He threw it. It hit the door, and it broke up in fragments. One of the fragments hit my cheek. At that point, I got scared because I was under attack.”

Murphy was arrested on Nov. 13.

He was officially indicted on June 3 with two felony counts of criminal mischief, both hate crimes, and one misdemeanor count of aggravated harassment.

If he’s convicted, he faces up to 28 months to seven years in prison.

After his arrest, Murphy was suspended with pay from his job. He’ll be back in court on July 23.

“The victim in this case was just doing his job, working to improve cellphone service for Suffolk County residents, when the defendant allegedly attacked him and damaged his vehicle,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said. “Even more troubling is that the defendant is a sworn police officer, responsible for protecting the rights of all citizens. The conduct alleged in this indictment will not be tolerated, regardless of what position a defendant holds.”

‘Get Out of Here!’: Off-Duty New York Cop Who Ripped Black Tech’s Light Off Work Truck, Scattering Glass In Man’s Face While He ‘Was Just Doing His Job’ Indicted on Hate Crime Charges

‘She Went Off’: Taraji P. Henson Gets Blunt About Pushy Fans Months After Bothersome Man Crossed the Line

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 14:35

Actress Taraji P. Henson has made it clear that respecting her boundaries is non-negotiable, issuing a strong message to fans about physical contact after a past encounter with an aggressive admirer.

The Hollywood star didn’t mince words when discussing what’s considered acceptable behavior from fans just trying to get next to her, perhaps still triggered by an interaction a few months earlier.

During her June 2 appearance on “The Angie Martinez Show,” Henson’s Washington, D.C., roots and no-nonsense attitude were on full display as she appeared to promote her new movie “Straw.”

While she has established herself as a Hollywood powerhouse, earning Oscar nominations and critical acclaim, the mother of one easily slipped back into the street-smart sensibilities that shaped her upbringing in what used to be Chocolate City.

Actress Taraji P. Henson tells fans to back up when approaching her. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

While on air, Henson was asked to be a part of a segment called “Check it” or “Let it Slide.” In the game, she was presented with various scenarios to gauge her reactions. When asked about a hypothetical situation involving “a fan grabbing her arm at the airport,” the actress immediately shut down the premise.

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no!” the Oscar-nominated performer declared emphatically. “Don’t put your hands on me. Do not touch me, h-e.”

The “Hidden Figures” star didn’t stop there, outlining the potential consequences for anyone who might test her boundaries.

“You not getting a selfie? Then you might get smacked. Don’t mother—king touch me. Reflexes! I’m just saying — out of reflexes [you might get hurt],” she emphasized.

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A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

Henson’s passionate response struck a chord with fans and followers across social media platforms, who praised her for setting clear boundaries.

When the show posted the clip on its Instagram page, people immediately weighed in on her response.

“Taraji was being a true Virgo heavy on don’t touch me,” one person wrote.

Another fan celebrated her hometown roots, commenting, “That’s that DC in her!!!”

A third admirer was equally enthusiastic about her energy, writing, “She went AWFFF! I love it!”

The radio show clip also caught the attention of Hollywood Unlocked followers, who drew connections between Henson’s real-life personality and her beloved television character.

“Cookie came out during these questions lol” one person joked, referencing her iconic role from “Empire.”

Another viewer took the comparison even further, stating, “Y’all must be blind, that ain’t no damn Taraji, that’s Cookie Lyon.”

Her remarks came months after she attended the Essence Women in Hollywood gala in February and found herself dealing with an overly persistent fan while leaving her hotel.

Video footage captured the awkward interaction as Henson walked briskly toward her designated pickup area.

The situation began when Henson connected with a man promoting a book about a Black superhero. Despite declining politely due to her own legal considerations, explaining that any materials would need to go through her team, the man still seized the opportunity to approach her.

GET AWAY FROM HER pic.twitter.com/O2cjjXiXeS

— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) February 28, 2025

Throughout the interaction, he kept peppering her with comments about her appearance and made inappropriate remarks about being her “bodyguard.”

The bothersome man, later identified as Israel, also wouldn’t back down when Henson’s friend Vivica A. Fox, repeatedly denied his request for a photo, saying “no” in multiple ways.

The entire encounter was documented and shared on social media, where viewers expressed concern about the man’s behavior.

Henson’s recent radio appearance also touched on her personal growth journey, including her decision to embrace sobriety and prioritize her mental health.

The founder of Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) spoke about finding peace in places like Bali and her commitment to protecting her energy from toxic situations. This context adds depth to her firm stance on physical boundaries, reflecting a broader commitment to self-care and personal protection.

The “Acrimony” star has consistently demonstrated that while she appreciates her fans and their support, respect for personal space remains paramount.

‘She Went Off’: Taraji P. Henson Gets Blunt About Pushy Fans Months After Bothersome Man Crossed the Line

‘You Will Be Driving Miss Daisy’: Black Truck Driver in Kansas Sues Estes Express Lines After White Supervisor Allegedly Bragged He ‘Owned Him’ While Doling Out Racial and Sexual Harassment

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 13:00

A Black man who worked as a truck driver for Estes Express Lines in Kansas is suing the cargo service for racial and sexual discrimination, claiming a white supervisor harassed him with racist and vulgar comments, then fired him after he complained.

According to his lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas on May 23, Justin Williams of Topeka was hired by Richmond, Virginia-based Estes in June of 2023, and began training at their Shawnee County facility with his supervisor Mike Rumbley to be certified as a driver of double and triple load trailer trucks.

Rumbley is white, and within a few months, he allegedly began to make racially offensive and sexual comments that Williams says humiliated and threatened him.

Estes Express Lines trucks are seen parked at the company’s New Columbia terminal. (Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Rumbley told Williams several times that he “owned” him and that he was untouchable, that he could get away with calling him racial names and sexually harassing him, and even that he had the power to get him fired or suspended, the complaint says.

In October 2023, Rumbley told Williams, “Tomorrow you will be driving Miss Daisy. I have a hat that I will make you wear,” the lawsuit says.

He also allegedly referred to other employees as being “cu-ts” and told Williams that people “need to shut their d—k sucker” while making vulgar body motions simulating the act of performing fellatio.

Justin Williams (left) claims in a lawsuit filed on May 23, 2025 that his supervisor at Estes Express Lines, Mike Rumbley (right) racially and sexually harassed him. (Photos: Justin Williams and Mike Rumbley Facebook profiles)

Williams reported the racial comments, vulgar words, and sexual harassment to his supervisor, Brett Woods, a few days later. Woods told Williams “he would fix the situation with different training and that the abuse would end,” the lawsuit says.

Instead, the next day, Williams received a written warning and a five-day suspension from Estes, which the lawsuit calls an adverse employment action in retaliation for his discrimination and harassment complaint.

On Nov. 2, 2023, Williams filed complaints with the Kansas Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), claiming discrimination on the basis of race, color and sex. Both organizations investigated his complaints.

Meanwhile, Rumbley continued to harass him, he says, and Estes management did nothing to stop him, while issuing Williams “unwarranted writeups.”

On July 24, 2024, Williams was fired by Estes “in an act of discrimination and retaliation related to the hostile work environment and Defendant’s failure to intervene, in violation of state and federal civil rights law,” the complaint says.

Williams contends he was well qualified and was performing satisfactory work when he was terminated not for cause, but in bad faith by Estes, who knew of the racially- and color-motivated discrimination against him, and failed to take any meaningful action to prevent it. Estes also failed to train its supervisors concerning their obligations under civil rights laws, he claims.

Williams claims he found the repeated and constant vulgar sexual gestures and verbal references to “sucking d—k” and that he was “owned by” Rumble, who said he could behave towards him in any manner he wanted to be “physically threatening” and “very humiliating,” and created a hostile work environment that “made it difficult to actually work.”

He says the constant abuse at work and subsequent termination has caused him to suffer emotional distress, mental anguish, deprivation of income, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Williams received his Right To Sue letter from the EEOC on March 3, 2025, and filed his federal lawsuit two and a half months later.

He seeks a jury trial and asks for $300,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. He also seeks a court order to either reinstate him in his job and provide back pay, or to provide him with back pay and front pay in lieu of reinstatement.

A spokesperson for Estes Express Lines did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Atlanta Black Star. Estes has 21 days from the date they were served with the lawsuit, or until June 16, to file an answer to the complaint.

‘You Will Be Driving Miss Daisy’: Black Truck Driver in Kansas Sues Estes Express Lines After White Supervisor Allegedly Bragged He ‘Owned Him’ While Doling Out Racial and Sexual Harassment

‘Step Out Now!’: Florida Cop Suspended After Threatening to Kick Down Door Before Yanking Out Autistic Man Over Fabricated Jaywalking Allegation

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 12:00

A Florida sheriff’s deputy whose fragile ego was hurt after an autistic man wearing headphones did not hear his commands to stop walking into his house earlier this year is now apologizing for his brutal actions.

But Santa Rosa sheriff’s deputy Zachary MacPherson — who was suspended for three days — is only apologizing because there was so much outrage from the public, thanks to a Black woman recording the abuse from across the street in a livestreamed video that went viral.

At first, the sheriff’s office released a statement trying to justify the deputy’s actions by claiming the man he attacked had committed a “potential law violation” while also “disregarding verbal commands” from MacPherson — but never elaborating on the potential law violation.

An enraged Florida sheriff’s deputy abused a man with autism who did not hear the deputy speaking to him because he had been listening to music on his headphones. (Photo: body camera)

MacPherson later claimed he was only looking out for the young man’s safety but safety went out the window when the deputy banged on the man’s front door, threatening to kick it down before yanking him out of the house and throwing him to the ground, then planting his knee on his back.

“I just want to know what’s going on,” asked the man, Aleczander “Zander” Cash, while facedown on the ground in front of his house as neighbors across the street protested against the abuse.

“What’s going on, sir, is that I ordered you to stop three times and identified myself as a sheriff’s deputy while you were walking away from me,” an enraged MacPherson said. “Then you rushed into your house and locked your door.”

“I was listening to my music,” responded Cash with his headphones visibly next to his head. “I didn’t hear you.”

The incident took place on Jan. 29 in Milton, a city of just over 10,000 people in the Florida Panhandle, and led to an internal affairs investigation, resulting in MacPherson being suspended for three days, according to a May 28 article published by the News Journal, which obtained records of the investigation.

“I did wrong,” MacPherson admitted to internal affairs investigators, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

“I regret allowing myself to get angry. I regret the way I talked to the neighbors. I regret the way I talked to Aleczander, at one point,” his apologia continued.

“I remember watching that video and that’s not the person I want to be, that’s not the person I believe I am.”

MacPherson also wrote a letter of apology to Cash, according to records in his file obtained by the News Journal.

“I allowed my emotions to get the better of me,” MacPherson wrote. “I allowed myself to get angry, and I displayed behavior I am entirely ashamed of!”

Watch the video below.

Deputy Threatens Neighbors

While arresting Cash, MacPherson then turned his rage to the neighbors across the street who were protesting his abusive actions while recording.

“Hey, you can stand and record all you want, but if you keep it up, you’re going in handcuffs next!” MacPherson threatened, even though the neighbors were not breaking any laws.

The two neighbors protesting were Black, as well as most of the neighborhood, according to local media, but Cash is white, begging the question of whether this would have happened had Cash lived in a predominantly white neighborhood.

“He was pounding on the door, and the little dude finally opened the door up,” Paul Boykins, one of the neighbors protesting, told the News Journal.

“(The deputy) grabbed his shirt, hitting him in the chest so hard I heard it way across the street,” Boykins continued. “He snatched the guy out, and both of his heels came up off the ground, and he slammed him on the concrete. Then the cop dropped his knee in his back.”

Mahalia McGruder, the other neighbor protesting, was also livestreaming video that ended up going viral. 

“I wasn’t getting involved when he was just at the door, because I didn’t know what was going on. That wasn’t my business,” McGruder told the News Journal. “But when he snatched him out that house, it became my business. Then that’s somebody child.”

“Whichever way you look at it, he was going crazy,” McGruder said. “It’s messed up. I hope he thinks about what he’s done. He definitely needs some discipline. They need discipline within their own staff, within the police force and they need to police themselves.”

Sheriff’s Response

McGruder’s livestreamed video ended up viewed more than 3 million times, sparking outrage from across the country but especially from the community before she removed it from Facebook.

The backlash prompted the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office to issue the following statement:

“After observing a potential law violation and the individual disregarding verbal commands, the deputy made contact at the residence,” the statement said. “Based on the circumstances, the individual was detained as part of the investigative process.

“During questioning, it was determined that the individual may not have heard the deputy’s commands due to wearing headphones, which were covered by a hooded jacket and not visible to the deputy. Following the investigation, no charges were filed.”

Although the sheriff’s office never elaborated on the potential law enforcement violation, it most likely was jaywalking which was not even appropriate in this case, considering it was a residential street with no marked crosswalks or traffic control devices, according to a Florida criminal defense attorney who explains it would only be illegal if a pedestrian steps directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Dashcam video from MacPherson’s patrol car shows Cash, who was wearing a hoodie over his head, was simply strolling across the street after checking for mail, because the mailbox is across the street from his home. 

There was no need even to stop him in the first place because there is no law against walking across the street in your neighborhood, but the deputy apparently wanted to exert his power because the man happened to cross a street in his presence.

MacPherson told internal affairs investigators he just wanted to inform Cash that it was not safe to stand in the middle of the street – which he was not even doing, according to his own dashcam video. But then he claimed he became “nervous” when Cash walked into his home without acknowledging him.

However, he did not appear nervous when he began pounding on the front door, threatening to escalate the situation into a full-blown raid.

“If you don’t open the door, we’re going to write a warrant and kick your door in,” MacPherson threatened.

“Step out, step out now,” he ordered after Cash had opened the front door.

“Why?” Cash asked twice.

That was when MacPherson grabbed Cash by the shirt and flung him to the ground, treating him like a violent fugitive.

“Can I call my mom?” Cash repeatedly asked as neighbors can be heard protesting from across the street.

“Mind your business, go back inside,” another deputy told the neighbors, which was an unlawful order considering citizens have a constitutional right to observe and criticize police as long as they are not interfering.

Fortunately, the neighbors ignored the unlawful orders.

“The way I grew up, neighbors look out for each other. The kid was white. That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” said Boykins. “That could have been my daughter. That could have been my son.”

‘Step Out Now!’: Florida Cop Suspended After Threatening to Kick Down Door Before Yanking Out Autistic Man Over Fabricated Jaywalking Allegation

‘She Still Mad at Common?’: Tiffany Haddish’s Brutal Claim That Her ‘Body Rejects American Men’ Sends Fans Into a Frenzy 

Fri, 06/06/2025 - 01:15

Tiffany Haddish has once again found herself at the center of a storm about dating preferences, making headlines for making eyebrow-raising comments about who she is open to date. This time she has marked a whole country of men off her candidates list.

The comedian recently appeared on Godfrey’s podcast, “In Godfrey We Trust,” where she shared some outrageous theories about dating and relationships that quickly went viral when posted on Instagram.

Tiffany Haddish under fire after saying her body rejects Black American men. (Photo: Amy Sussman/KCA2021/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

During the candid conversation, Haddish pontificated on an unscientific notion that chemically Black men from America are bad for her and are the reason why some moms have “mental illness.”

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A post shared by In Godfrey We Trust (@godfreypodcast)

“Women that have more than two baby daddies usually have some sort of mental illness,” she explained.

“Every time you get pregnant there’s stem cells that come from that baby and  them stem cells end up behind your eyes and your brain and your heart,” Haddish added. “And those stem cells will always stay with you, right.”

She continued, “That is why any Black man born in America, I can’t f—k with you. I’m only f—king with Black man born outside of America and everything else.”

When asked why she believes this, she said, “Because i think my body is rejecting these American n—gas. My bloodline’s like ‘Nope. no. no. no.’ and that’s why I am a little bit crazy.”

When Godfrey jokingly suggested she needed a “Lion King” type of lover, Haddish quickly interrupted him, saying, “or white dude.”

The exchange sparked immediate reactions when Godfrey posted the clip on his Instagram page, with fans flooding the comments section with their thoughts on her controversial statements.

The response from social media users was swift and varied.

“She still mad at Common?” one person questioned, while someone else chimed in, “Common left shorty high and dry now she buggin out.”

Another user wrote, “Dear white ppl … She belongs to y’all,” as someone else added, “She just threw black men under the bus. The ol’ Uno reverse card!”

However, not everyone was critical, with one supporter writing, “I hear you Tiff!”

Haddish’s comments come against the backdrop of her well-documented romantic history, which has been marked by both high-profile relationships and her own personal challenges.

Her most notable relationship was with rapper and actor Common, whom she met on the set of the 2019 film “The Kitchen.” The pair began dating in 2020, with Haddish describing their relationship as the “best” she had ever experienced, often highlighting the support and happiness she felt during their time together. However, their romance came to an end in November 2021, with Haddish later saying the breakup was not mutual and that Common had initiated the split.

Before her relationship with Common, Haddish was married to William Stewart from 2008 to 2013.

Stewart played a significant role in reconnecting Haddish with her estranged father, who walked her down the aisle during their wedding. However, the marriage ended in divorce, and in her memoir “The Last Black Unicorn,” Haddish alleged that she experienced abuse during the marriage.

Stewart has denied these claims, leading to legal disputes between the former couple.

The comments come on the heels of her revealing that she used to date men just so that she could have a nice dinner.

It also comes a year after she stated she was practicing celibacy in 2024.

Still, the “Girls Trip” star says she is dating. In May 2025, she not only said she was dating, but dating a lot of men.

“I’m still dating multiple people, but new multiple people, but like one or two from the old roster, that’s just that transferred over to the new roster,” she told comedian Seth Meyers during an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”

While Haddish’s recent comments about stem cells and her body rejecting American men lack scientific validity, they reflect what the world has come to expect from the Grammy winner. Whether she is serious about her theory or not, she continues to keep people tuned in. It is simply unclear if she wants the world laughing at her or with her.

‘She Still Mad at Common?’: Tiffany Haddish’s Brutal Claim That Her ‘Body Rejects American Men’ Sends Fans Into a Frenzy 

‘It’s Called Mid Life Crisis’: Hugh Jackman’s Estranged Wife Reportedly Furious Over His Alleged Affair with Sutton Foster After Years of Double Dating with Their Spouses

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 19:00

Hugh Jackman, 56, and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, are officially headed toward divorce, two years after publicly announcing their split.

There were no clear signs of divorce until Furness officially filed on May 27. But, apparently, Jackman’s reputed new girlfriend allegedly tried to get close to Furness before she parted ways with the “Deadpool & Wolverine” star in Sept. 2023.

Sutton Foster, 50, has been romantically linked to Jackman since they starred in “The Music Man” play, which opened on Broadway in February 2022. However, she is still legally married to “Ocean’s Eleven” screenwriter Ted Griffin.

Deborra-Lee Furness, estranged wife of Hugh Jackman (L); Ted Griffin and Sutton Foster (R). (Photos by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images; suttonlenore/Instagram)

According to the Daily Mail, Furness suspected the two were having an emotional affair while seemingly befriending her and having dinner dates with their husbands.

“The fact that Sutton used to go on double dates and tried so hard to befriend Deb is extremely disturbing to her,” an anonymous source told the British tabloid.

Following “The Music Man” premiere, unsubstantiated rumors claimed Jackman and Foster cheated on their respective spouses. Furness allegedly wants Foster to take “accountability” for contributing to the end of her marriage.

“She will never have anything to do with Sutton,” the purported insider added. “Deb is friends with Sutton’s ex, and they both share a deep sense of betrayal.”

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A post shared by Daily Mail (@dailymail)

The ongoing drama involving Furness, Jackman, and Foster remains a hot topic among celebrity watchers. People on the internet voiced their views on the fallout from the scandalous situation.

“And this is why I wouldn’t double date, there is always someone on the sidelines wanting what you have,” read a comment on the Daily Mail article. 

“So he moved on. He’s not the first one in history to do that. Being bitter and twisted doesn’t help her and her reputation at all!” a second commenter posted, targeting Furness.

A third person claimed, “Hugh Jackman has totally lost his glow and his looking old. He should have stuck with Deb, she looked great but more age appropriate.”

Another individual offered Furness advice by writing, “She’s done alright out of it, take the money and enjoy your life.”

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A post shared by Sutton Foster (@suttonlenore)

Jackman was also blasted when someone suggested, “It’s called mid life crisis. He is even dying his hair. All the symptoms are there.”

Despite the signs of bad blood brewing, he and Furness released a joint statement with the Emmy Award-winning actor, expressing an amicable split after 27 years of marriage and two children.

“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” the pair stated to People in September 2023.

The statement resumed, “Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

Hugh Jackman’s estranged wife Deborra-Lee Furness shared a reflection on “betrayal” and the end of their relationship mere days after filing for divorce from the actor. pic.twitter.com/Bw7j9MhVlt

— E! Online Asia (@eonlineasia) June 1, 2025

However, Furness later spoke out about experiencing a “traumatic journey of betrayal” and a “profound wound that cuts deep” amid filing divorce papers in New York’s Suffolk County Supreme Court on May 23.

“Deb released her statement and is now focusing on moving forward with her life,” the Daily Mail source said. “She has done the work that she needs to not allow this to hold her back from living or falling in love again. Deb knows that one day this will all come back around to the both of them.”

Jackman supposedly felt “extremely disappointed” by Furness’ remarks. The longtime cast member of the “X-Men” movie franchise expected both sides to refrain from publicly attacking each other, one of his alleged associates reportedly said.

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A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman)

Furness and Jackman first met on the set of the Australian television show “Correlli.” They tied the knot on April 11, 1996, in Melbourne, Australia, and adopted a son, Oscar, in 2000. Five years later, they expanded their family again and adopted a daughter named Ava.

“It’s so interesting being a parent, and they’ve both made me smarter than I think I ever could have been on my own,” Furness told People magazine in 2020.

She continued, “But when you’re a parent, you can’t lie to them or yourself. They will shine a light on every one of your flaws, your Achilles‘ heel, whatever. You’ve got to look at yourself.”

Foster has been married twice. She wed “Smash” actor Christian Borle in 2006 before divorcing in 2009. She married wed Griffin in 2014 but didn’t file for divorce until Oct. 2024. Foster and Griffin welcomed a daughter, Emily, in March 2017.

‘It’s Called Mid Life Crisis’: Hugh Jackman’s Estranged Wife Reportedly Furious Over His Alleged Affair with Sutton Foster After Years of Double Dating with Their Spouses

‘I Thought She Had a Gun’: Mother Shocked After Florida Woman Allegedly Sprays Bear Mace at Black Children, Ages 3 and 6, Playing with Bubbles While Hurling Racial Slurs

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 18:00

An elderly Florida woman was charged after hurling racial slurs and spraying bear mace at two young Black children, ages 3 and 6, who were playing with bubbles in their driveway.

Ada Anderson, 81, was arrested and charged with felony battery following an incident on May 30 with her neighbors.

Ada Anderson, 81, was arrested after allegedly spraying two Black children, ages 3 and 6, with bear mace while calling them racial slurs, Marion County deputies say. (Photo: Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home in Ocala, Florida, where they learned that Anderson became upset with two children as they were playing with bubbles.

The mother of the children, April Morant, told deputies she saw Anderson walk to a fence separating their properties, then spray pepper spray in their direction and call them racial slurs, according to an arrest affidavit cited by WKMG.

Morant reported that the spray touched her and the girls and affected her lungs. Her 6-year-old daughter also said her nose hurt because of the spray.

“What went through my head is I thought she had a gun,” April Morant told WESH. “So I literally kind of jumped, it startled me ’cause when she was to the fence, she was over the fence like this, and I didn’t know what was in her hand, cause I’m looking at her really quick, and then she sprayed it.”

Morant said this isn’t the first time she and her family have encountered issues with Anderson. She said the 81-year-old has called them racial slurs in the past.

Anderson defended herself to deputies. She’s heard on bodycam video telling them, “You really don’t have any right doing this. When do I get the pictures back that I can show you what they’re doing?”

An 81-year-old white woman in Ocala (FL) allegedly pepper-sprayed and hurled racial slurs at two Black children — ages 3 and 6 — allegedly over the girls playing with bubbles. No child should be traumatized in their own yard. pic.twitter.com/dvUu1SvAfx

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 5, 2025

According to the affidavit, Anderson told deputies that the children were running up and down the fence line while yelling at her, so she opened the door to her porch and sprayed liquid at them. She claimed it did not touch them because they were 40 feet away.

Deputies found an orange/brown liquid on the fence and grass on the victims’ property, which they said irritated their noses and throats.

Anderson was booked into jail for three counts of battery. She was released after posting a $6,000 bail.

Morant thought she would face more charges. She plans to file a restraining order and raise money to move her and her daughters out of the neighborhood.

“Just battery, but nothing on the kids or maybe a hate crime because you were saying all this stuff while you were spraying this stuff,” Morant said. “For you to do the bear spray stuff, like I feel like I don’t know what you have in that house. I don’t know. I don’t want to be by her.”

Marion County jail records reveal that Anderson was arrested in 2017 and 2019 for stalking and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

‘I Thought She Had a Gun’: Mother Shocked After Florida Woman Allegedly Sprays Bear Mace at Black Children, Ages 3 and 6, Playing with Bubbles While Hurling Racial Slurs

‘Is That Another Baby Bump?’: Serena Williams Fans Suspect She’s Expecting After Zooming In on Fun Video of Her and Daughter Adira

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 17:05

Serena Williams, 43, has some nosy fans wondering if the retired professional tennis legend is adding another member to her immediate family.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion already has two daughters with her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, 42. She gave birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian in September 2017.

Williams and Ohanian’s second child, Adira River Ohanian, arrived in August 2023. This week, the mother of two shared a short video on Instagram featuring 1-year-old Adira.

Serena Williams’s new video has fan convinced she’s expecting her third child with husband, Alexis Ohanian. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P)

“Can you believe this little cutie @adiraohanian had me out at 1 a.m. last night, hopping around the streets of Berlin? Jet lag is real,” Williams captioned her video.

“Papa said Go to bed, little girl!” replied Ohanian in his wife’s comments.

In addition, Adira received a lot of positive reactions with Serena’s supporters calling the toddler a “cutie” and a “baby boss.” While the Compton-raised global sports icon was celebrating #momlife in Germany, many of her followers were more focused on overanalyzing her body.

“Sis! You pregnant?” one person asked in her comment section. A like-minded person replied, “That’s what I said, lol.”

Another asked, “Is that another baby bump?”

However, the poster was criticized for suggesting Williams could be expecting another baby. For instance, someone commanded, “Please stay out of her uterus. Stop asking women this question!”

“Are you guys not embarrassed. Still asking women this question?” another annoyed person wondered. A third commenter exclaimed, “Ewwwwwww! So rude. Stop commenting on women’s bodies.”

Those complaints did not stop people from being excited about Williams possibly being pregnant. “Baby 3 on its way,” wrote one person.

Williams and Ohanian got married in November 2017 in New Orleans, two months after the birth of Olympia. The couple revealed their second pregnancy at the 2023 Met Gala.

“Earlier in my career, I never thought about having kids. There were times when I’ve wondered if I should ever bring kids into this world, with all its problems,” Williams admitted in a 2022 article for Vogue.

She continued, “I was never that confident or comfortable around babies or children, and I figured that if I ever did have a baby, I would have people taking care of it 24/7. I’m not going to lie — I definitely have a lot of support. But I’m also an incredibly hands-on mother. My husband will tell you I am too hands-on.”

Williams said she looked forward to picking Olympia up from school and reflected on how hard her parents, Oracene Price and Richard Williams, pushed her as an athletic prodigy.

“I do want to push Olympia — not in tennis, but in whatever captures her interest. But I don’t want to push too hard. I’m still trying to figure out that balance,” the “On the Line” book author explained.

My life is very different now. Instead of chasing balls, I’m chasing #Adira and helping #Olympia with tennis lessons and cooking. (And, all this is in-between Venture Capital calls) pic.twitter.com/lVdI7Ps6tN

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) October 29, 2024

In February 2025, Williams appeared as a special guest during Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking Super Bowl LIX halftime show. She danced on stage during the fellow Compton native’s performance of the Drake diss track, “Not Like Us.”

Music superstar Taylor Swift was also in attendance for the NFL’s big game in support of her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, as he attempted to win his fourth Super Bowl ring. The Chiefs ultimately lost the championship to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Williams was hoping to connect with Swift in New Orleans could get an autograph from the “Shake It Off” singer for her daughter Olympia. The four-time Olympic gold medalist, her daughter, and her spouse waited outside Swift’s stadium suite.

“I’m such a mom. I was ready to go in here myself and be like, ‘Taylor, come get this girl,’” Williams told Time for an April 2025 cover story. “It’s hard when your team is losing. I totally get it.”

‘Is That Another Baby Bump?’: Serena Williams Fans Suspect She’s Expecting After Zooming In on Fun Video of Her and Daughter Adira

‘A Broken System That Needs to be Fixed’: Father of Unarmed Black Man Killed by Atlanta Cop Outraged After Trump-appointed Judge Dismisses Murder Charges

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:33

An Atlanta cop who shot and killed an unarmed Black man complying with his orders to raise his hands in 2019 was cleared of murder charges by a federal judge this week, claiming the cop was acting in self-defense.

Atlanta police officer Sung H. Kim claimed he was in fear for his life when he killed Jimmy Atchison because the 21-year-old Black man had both hands “clamped together” when he raised them after being ordered to do so, making the cop believe he was holding a gun.

However, other cops at the scene who were part of a federal task force claimed Atchison only raised his right hand but pointed it at Kim, making them also believe he had been holding a gun – but none of the other officers fired their guns.

A federal judge dismissed murder charges against a former Atlanta cop who shot and killed an unarmed Black man named Jimmy Atchison. (Photo: Atchison family and Atlanta Police Department)

And Kim, who was a 26-year veteran police officer at the time of the shooting, later claimed he did not remember if he had ordered Atchison to “show us your hands” or “don’t move.”

But the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office determined in its investigation Kim had ordered Atchison to show his hands – which is the standard command when cops confront citizens – even for routine traffic stops.

And that is what got Atchison killed.

“This has been a prime example of a supreme failure in the criminal justice system,” Atchison’s father, Jimmy Hill, said in a telephone interview with Atlanta Black Star.

“It’s just unexplainable what this judge did, how he kept ignoring and locking out important evidence coming from the district attorney.”

The attorney representing the family, Gerald A. Griggs, has launched a petition on Change.org to persuade the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office to appeal the decision that has 51 signatures as of this writing.

Judge’s Decision

United States District Judge Michael L. Brown, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2018, dismissed the charges against Kim on Tuesday, claiming the cop was “immune from criminal prosecution” because the “reasonably believed” Atchison had a gun and was acting in self-defense.

According to Brown’s 25-page opinion:

Nothing required Defendant to hold off on shooting until he literally saw a gun in Mr. Atchison’s hand. He had a reasonable belief Mr. Atchison was armed and was going to shoot him. That is all that matters.

Indeed, the evidence for self-defense is so overwhelming it is hard to understand how Georgia could have brought these charges in the first place, much less continued with them over the two and a half years since. Defendant’s shooting of Mr. Atchison was textbook self-defense. The indictment charging him for that shooting is thus dismissed.

However, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office in its investigation determined there was never any evidence that Atchison had a gun during a foot pursuit that lasted an hour while trying to serve a warrant, which, according to Hill, was based on lies.

The district attorney’s office also determined that Kim had lied when he told other officers of the federal task force that Atchison had a history of violence against cops. He also committed numerous departmental violations.

According to the 65-page report compiled by the district attorney’s office:

TFO Kim lied to the AMMO Task Force members at the briefing by stating that Mr. Atchison has a history of “resisting arrest and fighting with police officers,” despite evidence to the contrary. 

  1. The previous arrest warrant for the charge of obstruction was issued on August 17, 2018 and states that “..[a]ccused did not offer and did not do violence to the person of said officer…….” (see Exhibit “A”) b. Mr. Atchison has no other arrests for violence against police officers.

Kim retired from the Atlanta Police Department after the shooting, which took place on Jan. 22, 2019.

Warrant Based on Lies

It all started after a woman named Kelly Brogan accused Atchison of armed robbery, claiming to police he had stolen her purse and phone at gunpoint on December 29, 2018.

But Atchison’s father said she lied to police because although he did take her phone, he never used a gun. He simply asked for the phone to make a call and then walked away with the phone without ever using force. 

“This lady had never been subpoenaed,” said Hill. “She’d never have been subpoenaed for lying to us. After they found out she was lying, they never subpoenaed her. She’d been able to walk free.”

He also accuses Atlanta police of failing to follow due process before sending in militarized police to arrest a man with no history of violence.

“Atlanta police had it written down on paper that they would do a follow-up report between the witness and the accused, but they refused to do it, and that also played a part in my son’s death.”

Instead, they issued an arrest warrant for Atchison, which ended up in the hands of the Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Violent Crimes Task Force, known as AMMO, which is overseen by the FBI but made up of federal and local officers.

Kim, who was tasked with preparing the arrest of Atchison, briefed the 12 other officers participating in the arrest, lying to them about Atchison’s violent past.

Donned in military gear, the cops broke into the apartment where Atchison was staying with the mother of his children, but he hopped out the window and ran away, prompting a foot pursuit that lasted about an hour.

Atchison ended up inside another woman’s apartment in another building, where he ran into a closet to hide. The woman told police that he was in her home, but never said anything about a gun.

The woman gave the cops permission to enter her home where Kim spotted Atchison hiding in a closet, covered in clothing where only his eyes were visible.

“TFO (task force officer) Kim gave Mr. Atchison commands to raise his hands and come out of the closet,” states the investigative report by the district attorney’s office. 

“As Mr. Atchison raised his hands, TFO Kim fired one round at Mr. Atchison, striking him on the left side of the face. Despite attempts at life saving measures, Mr. Atchison died on scene.”

The district attorney’s office also uncovered numerous departmental policy violations, including refusing to wear body cameras as required by the Atlanta Police Department because they were operating under a federal task force, despite 11 of the 13 officers participating in the raid being employed by Atlanta police.

They also violated the law by entering the apartment of his children’s mother without a search warrant, which is different than an arrest warrant.

“The AMMO Task Force did not have a search warrant to enter the apartment of Miss James to apprehend Mr. Atchison, which is required by law to effectuate an arrest of a suspect in a third-party home,” the report states.

“PIU’s (Public Integrity Unit) investigation showed that the AMMO Task Force was aware that Mr. Atchison did not reside at the address and did not attempt to obtain a search warrant to enter the apartment of Miss James.”

And they violated policy by not contacting the department’s SWAT team, as they are supposed to do in cases where a suspect is barricaded.

“The AMMO Task Force led by TFO Kim should have contacted SWAT to handle a barricaded subject,” the report states. “The failure of TFO Kim to notify SWAT to effectuate the arrest of Mr. Atchison lead to his death.”

After concluding its investigation, the Fulton County District Attorney determined the shooting “was not justified” and presented its evidence to a grand jury in December 2022, which indicted Kim on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, and violation of oath.

But Judge Brown dismissed the case against Kim claiming the Atlanta cop was acting under federal law since he was part of the federal task force, citing what is known as the Supremacy Clause that establishes federal law to be the “supreme law of the land,” overriding state and local law.

The only specific misconduct alleged in Defendant’s first indictment is his entry into Ms. Pless’s apartment (which allegedly violated the operation plan and led to Mr. Atchison’s death). No one disputes that, when Defendant entered the apartment to pursue Mr. Atchison, he was “in the performance of an act which he [was] authorized by federal law to do as part of his duty.

But Hill, who remembers his son as a man who loved to cook and who would feed the homeless, points out that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, quoting a statement made by the Department of Justice a few years back.

“The Department of Justice made a statement and said that we are committed to prosecute law enforcement officers who willingly show a disregard towards the Constitution and who abuse their authority by violating the rights of others,” Hill said.

“And this is exactly what this officer did. He violated his oath, he willingly showed a disregard towards the Constitution and violated my son’s human civil rights. He violated Atlanta police and FBI policy. He violated his sworn oath.”

“It’s a broken system that needs to be fixed.”

‘A Broken System That Needs to be Fixed’: Father of Unarmed Black Man Killed by Atlanta Cop Outraged After Trump-appointed Judge Dismisses Murder Charges

‘Someone Check on the Royal Family’: Meghan Markle and Harry’s ‘Spicy’ Dance Video Has Fans Saying They ‘Couldn’t Wait to Be Their Authentic Selves’ After Leaving the Palace

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:20

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry passed another vibe check that proves they have always been the most “fun” members of the royal family. Fans of the couple were given a glimpse into a fun-filled moment shared between the two as they celebrated their daughter, Princess Lilibet’s, fourth birthday on June 4.

The former “Suits” actress uploaded two posts marking the special occasion complete with heartwarming captions and images of her and Harry adoring their secondborn. The duo are also proud parents to son Prince Archie, 6, whom they welcomed in 2019.  

But it’s Markle’s third post that gave followers a good laugh and a reason to praise the pair for breaking away from their roles as working royals.

PMeghan Markle celebrates daughter Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday with old video of her and Prince Harry dancing to viral “Baby Mama” anthem. (Photos: Meghan/Instagram.)

The clip showed the Los Angeles native in a labor and delivery room wearing a black gown as she and Harry danced to the viral expectant mother’s anthem “Baby Mama.”

She wrote, “Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!”

More than 3.6 million people watched as a very pregnant Markle swayed her hips and dropped it low while supporting her belly as she and her husband awaited Lilibet’s birth. 

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A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan)

The author of “The Spare” joined in on the dance break too, at times two-stepping in and out of the frame and at other clips doing a playful twerk.

Markle disabled comments did not deter users from finding ways to join in on the candid memory. When The Shade Room reposted the video, an onlooker remarked, “Meg showing you how she got that baby, ikdr (I know dat’s right).”

A second user said, “Lol I knew he was a spicy white when he dated Rihanna. So this is very on brand. Love this.”

It has never been confirmed if Harry and Rihanna actually dated, but there are plenty of photographs to prove they at least looked like friends when they met in Barbados for a 2016 HIV/AIDS event. 

Another said, “Someone check on the royal family. They are fuming….love this.”

"She calls herself a princess on her podcast… you're not a princess, you're not a princess in any way."

Piers Morgan says Harry and Meghan are capitalising on their titles purely for fame and money.@piersmorgan | @valentinelow | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/scBdHAIruf

— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) October 7, 2022

A flood of comments noted that since the couple stepped down from their royal duties in 2020, they have appeared happier and less stifled by the rules tethered to their titles. One such comment read, “They couldn’t wait to leave the palace to be their authentic selves.”

Two more reactions included, “They definitely wasn’t letting them stay at Buckingham Palace lol. I love this,” and “Piers Morgan is about to be triggered.”

Journalist and royal family fan Piers Morgan has been outspoken in slamming the exiles for Prince Harry and Meghan’s 2020 relocation to America.

‘Someone Check on the Royal Family’: Meghan Markle and Harry’s ‘Spicy’ Dance Video Has Fans Saying They ‘Couldn’t Wait to Be Their Authentic Selves’ After Leaving the Palace

‘Came to His Senses When He Figured Out That I Knew’: California Couple Furious After Appraiser Exposes Their Address Online Following News of Discrimination Settlement for Undervalued Home

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 13:00

A Latina real estate professional recently faced scrutiny from members of an appraisers group on Facebook who questioned her status as a licensed appraiser shortly after she and her husband were granted a settlement for appraisal discrimination.

Dominique Curtis, a Bay Area licensed appraiser and Latina woman, was a member of the 100% Real Estate Appraisers Group on Facebook.

However, Curtis told Atlanta Black Star that doubts emerged among a few members about whether her appraiser license was legitimate after they saw a recent ABC7 News article on her and her husband, Ronald, and racial bias in the real estate industry.

Ronald and Dominique Curtis reached a settlement in April 2025 with an appraiser who allegedly undervalued their home by at least $250,000 due to racial bias. (Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco screenshot)

One member who was skeptical of her appraiser status suggested that “AI was handing out licenses like candy.”

“Instead of solely focusing on the fact that the appraiser was caught in the wrong and fined for it, they were more focused on the fact that I was an appraiser,” Dominique Curtis told Atlanta Black Star.

In response, the Facebook group owner shared proof from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, revealing that Curtis was a licensed appraiser, but didn’t redact her home address and phone number.

Curtis left a comment, requesting that the group owner, Mark Skapinetz, delete his post containing her personal information. In the years since the Curtises launched a legal battle against an appraiser who undervalued their home in 2020, they said people have posted their personal information online, called their phone numbers, and left threatening voicemails.

They feared that Skapinetz had done the same thing with the same malicious intent and accused him of “doxxing” their information.

However, Skapinetz told Atlanta Black Star that that was never his intention. He only wanted to post proof from a state website that Curtis’ license was real to put doubts to bed. He said he regretted not redacting her personal information in the process.

He said he didn’t see her request to delete the post until the next day. That’s when her husband contacted him personally to demand that he delete the post. Ronald Curtis told Atlanta Black Star he berated Skapinetz for the post, but only because he was fearful about the potential fallout of sharing his and his wife’s personal information with strangers on Facebook.

“It was a cursing match, and I assume he came to his senses when he figured out that I knew who he was and he could lose his license for his posts,” Ronald Curtis told Atlanta Black Star.

Screenshots of posts from 100% Real Estate Appraisers Facebook group.

Skapinetz posted a public apology to Dominique Curtis, and then deleted the page entirely, but not before posting a message to members addressing why he shuttered the group.

Skapinetz stated that the group contained 4,000 members, some of whom aren’t appraisers, have interests that conflict with real estate affairs, and launch heated disputes with other members. As the sole administrator of the page, he said moderation had become too much to handle for him. The comments concerning Curtis’s license were the signs that he needed to delete the page altogether.

“There is too much to handle and monitor, as well as things being posted in here that have and can be used against us appraisers,” Skapinetz wrote in the group, later adding, “The fact I created this group and one of my sole principles was to keep certain people/groups out and I failed hurts me deeply. I cannot leave this group for others to maintain when it’s tainted.”

Screenshot from 100% Real Estate Appraisers’ Facebook group.

The Curtises recently made news headlines after they were granted a settlement from an appraiser who state investigators determined had undervalued a duplex they owned due to racial bias.

The Curtises purchased that duplex in Oakland in 2019, and after making significant renovations, the home was appraised at $1.15 million in April 2020.

Later that year, they sought to refinance the home to take advantage of historically low interest rates and had the home reappraised. However, the appraiser valued their home at $900,000 — a $254,000 reduction from the initial appraisal. They appealed the decision, but the appraiser wouldn’t budge on his findings.

In 2021, they were able to sell their home for $1.2 million after they removed all of their belongings, including family photos and other items indicating their race and ethnicity.

That sale made the couple doubtful about the $900,000 appraisal, so they contacted the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, who filed a complaint on their behalf with the state civil rights department.

After the state determined that racial bias was a factor in the low valuation of their duplex, they were awarded $75,000.

Dominique trained to become an appraiser while she and her husband took up their legal battle against the appraiser. Ronald, a Black man, is a real estate agent.

‘Came to His Senses When He Figured Out That I Knew’: California Couple Furious After Appraiser Exposes Their Address Online Following News of Discrimination Settlement for Undervalued Home

‘It was the Push Away’: Michelle Obama Admits Her Daughter Dropping the Family Name After Leaving White House Felt Like a Gut Punch

Thu, 06/05/2025 - 11:56

Michelle Obama is opening up about her elder daughter’s journey toward independence.

During a recent interview on Kate and Oliver Hudson’s “Sibling Revelry” podcast, the former first lady shared details about how her daughters are navigating life on their own — including dropping the Obama last name.

In a moment that captures the challenges of raising children in the spotlight, the “IMO” podcaster reflected on her reaction when 25-year-old Malia decided to drop the Obama surname for her directorial debut.

Michelle Obama says she understands why her daughter Malia doesn’t use the family name professionally. (Photos: @michelleobama/Instagram; Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

“Our daughters are 25 and 23. They are young adult women, but they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away, you know?” Michelle Obama revealed in the June 2 episode of the podcast.

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A post shared by Sibling Revelry (@siblingrevelry)

She continued, “You guys know this as the children of parents who are known,” talking directly to the Hollywood royalty. Kate and Oliver’s parents are Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson.

“You’re trying to distinguish yourself,” Obama continued. “I mean, it is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world, and they don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just naturally handed things. They’re very sensitive to that.”

When her daughter’s movie “The Heart” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the credits listed the filmmaker as “Malia Ann,” using her middle name instead of the family’s well-known last name.

As she talked about the choice to use a stage name, she shared a joke she said to her daughter, “They’re still gonna know it’s you, ‘Malia,’ you know?”

The former first lady’s candid reflection on parenting captures a reality that resonates far beyond the walls of their home or the corridors of political power.

The decision to distance herself professionally from the Obama name wasn’t taken lightly, according to both parents. Michelle Obama explained that both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, 23, are particularly sensitive about public perceptions of their achievements.

Ultimately, Michelle shared, “We respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way.”

Michelle’s comments echo those of her husband, Barack Obama, who shared similar sentiments during an October 2024 appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” expressing both pride and understanding regarding Malia’s choice.

Both Obamas acknowledge that their daughters simply don’t want help from their parents, and carrying the name seems to suggest that they are gliding off the legacy passed down to them from their dad being the leader of the free world for eight years.

President Obama’s daughters Malia & Sasha will always be known as Michelle & Barack Obama’s children. It seems like the ultimate cheat, but it’s something neither of the girls want.

Malia didn’t even use her last name while working on a project with Donald Glover. The former… pic.twitter.com/RWg8U7n3bg

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 30, 2024

“Her first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals, and she didn’t use Obama as director on the credits,” he noted.

When said when he asked his daughter whether people would still recognize her without seeing the Obama name in the credits, Malia responded: “You know what? I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association.”

The public response to Malia’s decision has been notably divided, reflecting broader conversations about privilege, identity, and professional ambition.

“I respect that. Nick Cage changed his famous last name and worked his ass off to become one of the greatest- if not the greatest actor of all time. I’m sure most people in the industry knew who he was,” one supporter tweeted, using the example of the nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola to draw parallels to other celebrities who’ve made similar decisions.

Another user praised the strategic thinking behind the move.

“Malia Obama dropping her last name shows her desire to build an independent identity, especially in the film industry,” one X user wrote. “At just 25, her impressive net worth highlights both her privilege and potential as she starts her own career path. It’s a bold step toward establishing herself beyond her famous family name.”

However, not everyone views the decision favorably.

“Who drops the Name Vanderbiilt, Kennedy,” questioned one critic, suggesting that such prestigious family names should be embraced rather than abandoned.

The parents’ support for their daughters’ independence reflects their deeper understanding of the unique challenges facing children of public figures.

“They want to be their own people,” Michelle said during the conversation.

The Obamas’ experience highlights the unique challenges faced by a few high-profile families as their children come of age under intense public scrutiny.

Michelle Obama’s reflections on the “push away” phase resonate with parents navigating the delicate balance between legacy and independence.

‘It was the Push Away’: Michelle Obama Admits Her Daughter Dropping the Family Name After Leaving White House Felt Like a Gut Punch

‘What the Hell Is This?’: Outraged California Parents Call Out Elementary School for Including 1940s Article Containing ‘N—r Babies’ In Yearbook, Principal Offered to Put Sticker Over It

Wed, 06/04/2025 - 20:00

A newspaper clipping from the 1940s that contained racist language referring to Black children was published in a California elementary school yearbook, sparking outrage in the school community.

Montclair Elementary School in Oakland, California, recently printed and distributed its yearbooks for the 2024-2025 school year.

One portion of the book contains local newspaper articles from years past that feature the school’s events. A report from Oct. 1940 was a feature about the school’s annual carnival that year and the activities that children could participate in.

1940s article featuring racial slur. (Credit: Jim Crow Museum Screengrab)

Just a few paragraphs in, the article stated, “Boy and Girl Scouts will have charge of booths and many attractions such as n—r babies, darts, fish pond, airplane game, fortune telling.”

According to the Jim Crow Museum, a game known as the African Dodger, which was also called “Hit the N—r Baby,” was commonplace at local fairs and carnivals throughout the late 19th century and into the 1940s. Several historical depictions show the game’s setup: a Black child or adult would stick their head through a curtain or large poster cutout while participants would throw eggs and baseballs at them.

Parents were furious that the article was included in the Montclair yearbook.

“I was mad. I was very upset,” Natalie Golden, the aunt of a student, told KGO.

“I was like, what the hell is this?” Brenda Mitchell, a student’s grandmother, said. “This is 2025… 1900s, what do the kids need to know about? Why would you bring that out? Why would you even put that in there? It was very inappropriate. Very inappropriate.”

The Montclair PTA historian emailed parents, confessing that she was the one who discovered the article.

“In my excitement, I made the critical error of only reading the first paragraph before including it,” her email read. She added that the four people on the volunteer yearbook team also failed to read the full article and catch the slur.

The PTA historian said she’s stepping down from her position.

Montclair Elementary Principal David Kloker sent an email to the school community apologizing and calling the article “deeply hurtful and entirely unacceptable.” He said stickers would be provided by the school to place over the article.

“Put a sticker over it. What do you mean, put a sticker over it?” asked Mitchell.

“Yeah. That’s unacceptable,” Golden chimed in. “What they should have done is collected all the yearbooks and redone them, and then passed them back out.”

PTA President Sloane Young said the school is offering refunds to anyone who purchased a yearbook. The PTA is also taking on the task of publishing a whole new set of yearbooks without the offensive article.

A racial equity meeting was also held for parents who wanted to discuss the incident further and share their concerns.

‘What the Hell Is This?’: Outraged California Parents Call Out Elementary School for Including 1940s Article Containing ‘N—r Babies’ In Yearbook, Principal Offered to Put Sticker Over It

‘Unimaginable’: 10-Year-Old Boy with History of Seizures Dies After Choking at Chicago Elementary School; Family File Lawsuit Alleging Staff Did Not Respond Appropriately

Wed, 06/04/2025 - 16:42

A 10-year-old boy with special needs died after choking on food at a Chicago elementary school, and his family is now suing the school district, alleging he was left unsupervised in violation of his care plan.

Kody Townsend, a student at Clissold Elementary School, died on Oct. 18 following the incident. His parents, Travis and Lakeisha Jones-Townsend, say Kody had a history of seizures and developmental delays and was supposed to receive constant supervision under an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Kody Townsend died after choking during lunchtime. (Credit: ABC7 Video Screengrab)

The family’s lawsuit, filed against Chicago Public Schools, the Board of Education, and the city of Chicago, claims that Kody choked while eating and that school staff failed to respond appropriately, ultimately leading to his death at a local hospital.

“No parent should send their kid to school and not see them the next,” said Lakeisha Jones-Townsend.

The lawsuit accuses the school of negligence and states that Kody was not properly monitored during lunchtime. It further alleges that the staff’s response to the medical emergency worsened his condition.

“I want his story to be heard, and I want people and staff to be taken accountable,” Lakeisha added. “They need to be held accountable for what happened to Kody.”

Kody’s father, Travis Townsend, expressed his grief: “I loved my son Kody. I miss him dearly—we all miss [him] dearly.”

The school district released a brief statement: “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. The district does not provide comments on ongoing litigation.”

The Townsend family described Kody as the heart of their home — joyful, nurturing, and full of personality. According to a GoFundMe campaign created to raise funds for his funeral, Kody was the second-oldest of four siblings and had just turned 10 on August 5. The campaign has raised over $6,000 so far.

“Kody is a child of greatness; he would allow his baby sister to do no wrong because he knew she is a baby,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Although Kody had autism he didn’t allow his disabilities to get the best of him.”

The post highlights Kody’s love for drawing, basketball, cooking, and planting. He especially enjoyed playing sports with his father and watching Sunday football. His family shared that despite early speech difficulties, he worked hard to communicate and always tried his best to express himself.

On the day of the incident, the family says they were granted one last moment to be with him before he passed. “We felt he had gained his wings that late afternoon after he had sang and danced with our Heavenly Father,” the GoFundMe message states.

“This tragic event has left our family devastated. His siblings are heartbroken, and we are left with an unimaginable void,” the family added.

The lawsuit remains ongoing as the family seeks accountability and answers about the circumstances of Kody’s death.

‘Unimaginable’: 10-Year-Old Boy with History of Seizures Dies After Choking at Chicago Elementary School; Family File Lawsuit Alleging Staff Did Not Respond Appropriately

‘It’s Going to Cost You a Billion at Least When She Leaves’: Jeff Bezos’ Billionaire Status in Jeopardy as He Prepares for Over-the-Top Wedding to Fiancée Lauren Sánchez

Wed, 06/04/2025 - 15:35

going to cost you a billion at least when she leaves’: Jeff Bezos’s Billionaire Status In Jeopardy Ahead of wedding to Fiancee Lauren Sánchez

Jeff Bezos, 61, and Lauren Sánchez, 55, are set to wed this summer.

The billionaire Amazon founder and his bride-to-be will present their nuptials in Venice, Italy. Around 200 high-profile guests are expected to attend their marriage ceremony, which will be part of a three-day celebration from June 24 to 26.

In what could be a hint at Sánchez’s wedding party, the “The Fly Who Flew to Space” author’s bachelorette weekend in Paris featured Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, and other women.

Former newscaster Lauren Sánchez is set to wed billionaire Jeff Bezos at a lavish venue in Italy. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair )

According to the Daily Mail, Bezos and Sánchez booked the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia building in the City of Canals for their weekend festivities. It has a total space of about 26,000 cubic meters, spread over two floors. 

“Founded in the Middle Ages as a secular phenomenon of devotion and solidarity, the ‘Scuole Grandi’ played a key role in the social, political, and religious fabric of the Republic of Venice,” reads a description on the location’s website.

The note continued, “In the sixteenth century, they reached such a level of wealth and influence in the community that they were integrated into the social context of the Serenissima Republic, with a leading role in state ceremonies.”

Bezos and Sánchez’s upcoming wedding remains a highly anticipated social event. News about the celebrity couple’s relationship regularly prompts passionate responses online.

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A post shared by Misericordia Di Venezia (@misericordiavenezia)

“Don’t do it, Jeff. It’s going to cost you a billion at least when she leaves,” someone warned in the Daily Mail’s comment section.

Likewise, another critical poster expressed, “I hope he gets taken to the dry cleaners soon to teach him a fine lesson.”

“I wonder if the divorce will receive as much hype as the wedding. I give it two years before we know for sure,” a third Bezos detractor added.

On Sánchez’s bride’s attire possibly being created by a well-known lingerie brand, a commenter jokingly asked, “Is Fredericks of Hollywood designing her wedding dress?”

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his glamorous fiancée Lauren Sánchez were spotted enjoying a romantic and luxurious dinner date night with her son Nikko Gonzalez and friends at the famed Puny restaurant in Portofino, Italy.

The loved-up couple, surrounded by a sizable security… pic.twitter.com/XVkhWdRHjF

— backgridus (@BackgridUS) May 28, 2025

Sánchez is known for wearing revealing outfits in public. The former “Good Day L.A.” morning television show co-host was recently spotted in a skimpy maxi dress at a family dinner with Bezos and her 24-year-old son, Nikko Gonzalez, for a family dinner in the city of Portofino, Italy on May 27.

Sánchez shares Nikko with her ex-boyfriend, retired NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez. She and Bezos seem excited about their upcoming union as well as their blended family.

In addition to Nikko, Sánchez also gave birth to a son named Evan (born June 2006) and a daughter named Ella (born January 2008) with her first husband, Endeavor Talent Agency executive Patrick Whitesell.

Sánchez and Whitesell were married from 2005 to 2019. Bezos divorced his first wife, Makenzie Scott, in 2019 after 25 years of marriage and welcoming four children together.

Despite Bezos and Scott releasing a cordial joint statement announcing their separation, there was widespread speculation that Bezos had entered into an extramarital affair with Sánchez before they separated from their respective spouses. 

Bezos later got engaged to Sánchez on his $500 million Koru yacht in March 2023. The Washington Post owner proposed with an estimated $2.5 million diamond ring. Sánchez claimed she “blacked out a bit” after discovering the engagement ring under her pillow.

‘It’s Going to Cost You a Billion at Least When She Leaves’: Jeff Bezos’ Billionaire Status in Jeopardy as He Prepares for Over-the-Top Wedding to Fiancée Lauren Sánchez

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