The Whitsdom Press

Category: In the News

  • America Is in the Toilet and I Want the African American Aliens to Beam Me Up

    America’s losing it right now. From school shootings to false alarms on campuses, every day feels like another blow. Rising unemployment adds to the constant school bullying. Unsafe school settings contribute to this daily impact. Honestly? I’m like, “Beam me up, my 🥷🏾👽,” because this mess is too heavy.

    School Shootings and Fear in Classrooms

    School shootings and lockdowns are becoming the norm. Students walk into buildings filled with anxiety, not hope. Every day looks like a potential headline. Yesterday at Evergreen High School near Denver, a 16-year-old named Desmond Holly, reportedly radicalized by some extremist network, opened fire with a revolver around lunch. Then today, UMass Boston went on full lockdown. Reports of gunfire near East Residence Hall and the Kennedy Institute sent students fleeing, hiding, not opening doors—even though nothing was ever found. A false alarm, but trauma is real and so is the reminder: our campuses are always just a whisper away from real danger.

    😒 Charlie Kirk—No Love, But Sorry for the Family

    Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, was assassinated at an event in Utah—yeah, it sucks and obviously my heart goes out to his family. But me? I’m not sad about him. He frequently said some nasty things about Black women. So listen—I don’t care for the guy. Sorry, not sorry. He’s gone, and his death happened in a way that echoes the issues he criticized—but he didn’t support people like me. So it’s a hard pass for me emotionally here.

    📉 Black Women Unemployment Is Soaring

    Black women’s unemployment has spiked to around 6% in August 2025—up from about 5.4% in January, and double the rate for white women. Between May and August alone, nearly 300,000 Black women either lost or exited jobs. Many of the hardest hits were federal jobs cut under Trump’s administration. This isn’t just numbers. It’s Black moms losing stability and support. They are trying to raise kids in dangerous schools. They are fighting to protect their kids and holding families together.

    🙅🏾‍♀️Bullying Among Girls Is Exploding

    Bullying among girls has hit alarming levels—especially online. According to recent data, adolescent girls are more likely than boys (59.2% vs 49.5%) to experience cyberbullying—and over 28% were bullied in the past month alone. Girls report appearance-based body shaming at rates of 72% in 2025. Social exclusion, rumor spreading, and humiliation on Instagram dominate the landscape. These behaviors appear weekly in 37% of middle schools and 25% of high schools. Even worse, among Black teens 21% report bullying because of their race. Black girl victims face high rates of damaging online exposure. They also experience emotional harm. No lie, I must put some blame on Baddies. The Baddie culture of fighting and getting expensive wigs pulled off heads has ran its course. Plot twist: GROWN WOMEN WITH CHILDREN PARTAKE IN CYBERBULLYING AS WELL.

    Teachers Bail Out; AI Steps In

    Teacher shortages are off the charts. Over 411,000 positions are either empty or filled by uncertified staff. This situation affects 1 in 8 classrooms nationwide. Local breakdowns show even deeper trouble: in Houston ISD, 32% of teachers left last year, nearly double the state average. Teachers report burnout, low pay, chaos—even though fewer teachers say they’re leaving, stress levels remain sky high. While human teachers exit, schools are experimenting with AI lesson plans and virtual “teachers.” But AI can’t comfort kids, see bullying hiding behind smiles, or teach empathy. It’s education by default—and our children are losing.

    🏚️ The Rent Is Too Damn High

    And then there’s housing. Rent is out of control. Landlords and big apartment companies tack on random fees. These include parking fees, trash fees, “amenity” fees, pest control, and insurance. They add things that weren’t even on the lease. You either pay it, move out, or risk homelessness. Having a job is one thing, but jobs don’t stretch when rent takes half your paycheck. Add food, light bill, internet, gas, childcare, and you’re stuck in a depressing cycle. Save money? How? And if you’re working two jobs, when do you see your kids? When do you rest? Families are being priced out of living with dignity, forced to choose between shelter and sanity. And honestly, that cycle breaks people.

    America may be in the toilet, but we still deserve dignity, safety, jobs, and respect. Beam me up? Maybe. I’m ready to take my kid out of school. I want to move to the country and homeschool her. We can live happily and safely ever after.

  • Drake Shows Off 2Pac’s Death Row Records Chain From 1996

    If you’ve been following hip-hop news, you might have seen a lot of talk about Drake and a new chain. But this isn’t just any piece of jewelry. It’s a gold chain from Death Row Records, and it has a big story behind it.

    What is Death Row Records?

    Death Row Records was one of the most famous and important record labels in the 1990s. It was the home of legendary artists like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. For many fans, a Death Row chain is a symbol of old-school hip-hop greatness.

    Why is Drake’s Chain a Big Deal?

    Drake recently posted a picture on Instagram wearing the famous Death Row chain. Fans quickly noticed that it looked like the one owned by the late 2Pac. But why would Drake, a modern superstar, wear a chain from a different era? The answer lies in his recent a disagreement with rapper Kendrick Lamar.

    Drake’s Instagram post with chain front and back.

    Over the past few months, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been in a heated rap feud. This means they have been releasing songs that take shots at each other. Some of their songs have even mentioned 2Pac, who is a legend in the rap world. For example, Drake used an AI version of 2Pac’s voice in one of his songs. Kendrick Lamar mentioned a special ring that belonged to 2Pac in his own song. Okay let’s be real. Drake should have been eliminated from the battle when he used AI. And you use 2Pac’s voice? I told a blogger on Twitter today…

    Me keeping it real on Twitter

    By wearing the Death Row chain, many people believe Drake is sending a direct message to Kendrick Lamar. He is showing that he has a piece of hip-hop history. He is also demonstrating that he is not backing down in their public disagreement.

    What Do Fans Think?

    I see it as Drake trying to stir up more trouble and playing a dangerous game. He should focus on his music instead of that spanking Kendrick Lamar put on him.

  • Trump’s Executive Orders: Cashless Bail and Flag Burning

    President Donald Trump made a major move appealing to his conservative supporters. He signed two high-profile executive orders today. These orders aim at rolling back cashless bail systems. They also focus on criminalizing flag burning.

    Striking Against Cashless Bail

    The first order directs federal authorities to withdraw funding from cities and states that have eliminated cash bail. It argues that such systems are too lenient. They threaten public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi has 30 days to identify which jurisdictions have adopted cashless bail policies. She will particularly focus on serious criminal offenses.

    Washington, D.C.—a city that largely abolished cash bail decades ago—is a primary target. The administration is using federal oversight and funding as leverage, even considering sending more pretrial detainees into federal custody. Critics, including reform advocates, argue cashless bail addresses systemic inequality—helping low-income defendants who can’t afford traditional bail. Research, such as from the Brennan Center, found no link between bail reform and crime increases.

    Flag Burning Becomes a Crime (Again)

    The second executive order calls on the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute individuals who desecrate the U.S. flag—punishable by up to one year in jail, with no early release. Foreign nationals caught burning the flag may face revocation of visas or immigration benefits, and possible deportation.

    The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment. Trump’s move aims to challenge this precedent. It suggests prosecution may be possible if flag burning “incites imminent lawless action” or counts as “fighting words.” Legal and civil liberties groups warn this order will likely face uphill battles over free speech rights.

  • Texas Senate Bill 15: Changes to Police Misconduct Records

    A new bill in Texas could change how the public can see police records. This bill, called Senate Bill 15, has already passed the Senate and is now waiting for a vote in the House. It has the support of a large police union in the state but is not liked by groups that want more government transparency.

    What’s in the Police Records Bill?

    This bill would create a new type of file for police misconduct records. These records would include information about bad behavior, investigations, and any punishments given to officers. The public would not be able to look at this new file. However, other police departments could see it when they are hiring. This file could also be used by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and during certain criminal court cases.

    People who support the bill say it is important to protect the privacy of police officers. They believe that officers should not be treated differently based on where they work. These supporters also say the public could still get some information about police misconduct, just not from this new file. They argue that other ways to get these records would still be available.

    On the other hand, people who are against the bill say it would make it much harder to hold police officers accountable for their actions. They worry that it would create a “secret file” of police misconduct. They believe it would be much more difficult for regular people to find out what happened and get the records they need. This would make it harder to know if the police are doing their jobs correctly.

    Senate Bill 15 has already been passed by the Senate and is now awaiting a vote in the House. If it passes the House, it will be sent to the governor for his signature.

  • Apollonia Sues Prince’s Estate for Name Ownership

    Patricia “Patty” Kotero—known to fans worldwide as Apollonia—starred in Prince’s iconic 1984 film Purple Rain. For over 40 years, she has built a career under that name. Now, she has filed a lawsuit against Prince’s estate, claiming ownership of the “Apollonia” name and trademark.

    Apollonia 6 (L to R: Susan Moonsie, Apollonia Kotero, and Brenda Bennett)

    Prince gave Kotero the name when casting her in Purple Rain. She performed as Apollonia in that film, formed the group Apollonia 6 in the mid-1980s, and continued her career using the name. Kotero hosts the podcast Apollonia Studio 6 (launched in 2022), and a Purple Rain musical—featuring a character named Apollonia—is set to premiere in Minneapolis in October before heading to Broadway.

    What Is the Lawsuit About?

    Patty argues that she has used the “Apollonia” name for decades—in films, television, music, podcasts (Apollonia Studio 6), and branding—and that Prince himself gave and encouraged her adoption of that name. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks a court declaration affirming that she owns the trademark rights to “Apollonia.” She also asks for an injunction to stop Prince’s estate from interfering with her use of the name.

    What Prompted the Legal Action?

    In June 2025, Prince’s estate—Paisley Park Enterprises—filed its own trademark application for “Apollonia,” covering clothing and entertainment services. The estate also moved to cancel Kotero’s existing trademark filings Kotero asserts that the estate’s action threatens her identity and business, as she fears they could bring a trademark infringement lawsuit if she continues using her professional name.

    Kotero’s attorney, Dan Cislo, said she “fully expects to prevail in protecting her name”. Prince’s estate called the suit “frivolous” and “unwarranted.” They point out that Kotero’s registration was canceled at some point, that they offered her settlements, and that they never asked her to stop using the name during Prince’s lifetime.

    The late singer’s estate responds on Instagram to the recent lawsuit.

    This breaks my heart because I love Prince and Apolonia, but when it comes to entertainment law, liking somebody doesn’t go as far as the legalities. This case touches on key issues in entertainment law—trademark ownership, rights of artists to use a name tied to their identity, and posthumous control by estates. It also highlights how an artist’s long-standing professional identity can clash with estate or legacy management.

  • New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Faces Federal Indictment

    LaToya Cantrell, the first woman to serve as mayor of New Orleans, is now facing one of the biggest scandals in the city’s history. On August 15, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted her on several charges, making her the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to be indicted while in office. The case has quickly become national news and is raising questions about corruption, power, and leadership in the city.

    According to the indictment, Cantrell is accused of using her position and city resources to cover up an alleged personal relationship with her former bodyguard, former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie. Prosecutors claim that the mayor and Vappie conspired together through wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements to investigators. They say the two went to great lengths to hide their relationship, including using encrypted WhatsApp messages, deleting communications, and misleading investigators.

    The indictment also points to the misuse of taxpayer money. Court documents allege that Cantrell and Vappie took more than a dozen domestic and international trips together, costing the public over $70,000. Investigators say Vappie was paid as though he was working, even when he was allegedly spending personal time with the mayor. Reports also claim the pair frequently used a city-owned apartment in the Pontalba Building for private visits while Vappie was supposed to be on duty.

    Another key piece of evidence highlighted by prosecutors is the 15,000 WhatsApp messages between the two, including photos and voice notes. Many of these messages were reportedly deleted once questions started to surface. The indictment also accuses Cantrell of intimidating subordinates, lying under oath, and trying to mislead others in order to keep the relationship secret.

    If convicted, both Cantrell and Vappie could face serious penalties. Each count of wire fraud and obstruction of justice carries up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The weight of the charges has left city leaders stunned, with some calling it a “sad day” for New Orleans while also urging the public to let the legal process unfold.

    Cantrell’s office has not given a full response to the charges, though her team has acknowledged the indictment. The case will likely take months to move through the courts, and it remains unclear what impact this will have on the city’s leadership and upcoming elections.

    This marks a dramatic turn in Cantrell’s career. She was once praised for guiding New Orleans through the pandemic and focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, but these new allegations cast a shadow over her time in office. For now, the people of New Orleans are left waiting to see how the legal process plays out and what it means for the future of their city.

  • Understanding Texas School Ratings: A-F Grading Explained

    The Texas Education Agency (TEA) gives a letter grade from A to F to every public school and school district in the state. These grades help parents understand how well their schools are doing. They are based on three main things:

    • Student Achievement: How students perform on state tests.
    • Academic Growth: How much students improve from one year to the next.
    • Closing Gaps: How well the school helps different groups of students, like those who are still learning English or have special needs, to succeed.

    How Texas School Ratings Were Established

    The Texas A-F school accountability system was created by the Texas Legislature in 2017 to provide a simple, clear, and consistent way for everyone to understand how schools and districts are performing. The system encourages schools to keep getting better and to make sure all students get a good education.

    The ratings are based on three main categories, or “domains,” which are combined to give a school its final letter grade:

    • Student Achievement: This measures how well students do on state tests, like the STAAR test.
    • School Progress: This looks at how much students improve from one year to the next.
    • Closing the Gaps: This measures how well schools are helping specific groups of students, like those with special needs or who are still learning English, to succeed.

    To calculate the final grade, the TEA takes the better score between the Student Achievement and School Progress domains, and this makes up 70% of the school’s overall rating. The Closing the Gaps domain makes up the remaining 30%. This “best of” approach is meant to be fair and give schools a chance to show their strengths.

    A Closer Look at Big Districts

    Some of the largest school districts in Texas have been in the news for their recent ratings.

    Houston ISD (HISD) Houston ISD has shown great improvement. The district’s overall rating is now a B, up from a C. The superintendent, Mike Miles, and the TEA commissioner, Mike Morath, have both praised the district’s progress. One school, Jefferson Elementary, went from a D to an A rating. Morath called the academic growth in HISD “unprecedented” in the history of the United States.

    Dallas ISD Dallas ISD also saw a big jump, improving from a C to a B. The district is doing much better in a number of areas. For example, the number of A-rated schools in Dallas ISD doubled, going from 30 to 60. The number of F-rated schools also went down, from 24 to just 2.

    Arlington ISD Arlington ISD is facing a different kind of problem. The district is appealing its new ratings because it believes there was a mistake by the TEA’s automated scoring system. Arlington ISD officials say that if the scores were corrected by humans, at least five of its schools would get a better grade. Without the corrected scores, the district is expected to get a C rating.

    How are Districts Doing Overall?

    Across Texas, many schools have improved. In East Texas, for example, 11 districts received an A, while 72 got a B. The superintendent of Longview ISD said that the goal for every district is to improve each year.

    Other districts in Texas have also seen good results:

    • Fort Worth ISD also improved, from a D to a C. It saw a 70% increase in A-rated schools.
    • Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD improved from a C to a B rating.
    • Highland Park ISD and Carroll ISD are among the top-rated districts in North Texas.

    What about Challenges?

    Some districts are still facing challenges. The lowest-rated schools in North Texas received grades in the D range. One school, the Marilyn Miller Language Academy, received an F for five years in a row, which could lead to a state takeover.

    The Stakes are High: Funding and State Control

    The ratings are not just a letter grade; they have real consequences for schools and communities.

    • State Intervention: If a school receives an F rating for five years in a row, state law requires the TEA to take action. This can mean the state will either close the campus or take over the entire school district by replacing its elected school board with state-appointed managers. This is what happened in Houston ISD. The state is also evaluating Fort Worth ISD for a potential takeover.
    • Funding and Resources: While funding is not directly tied to a specific letter grade, a school’s rating can indirectly affect its resources. If a school gets a low rating, some parents might choose to move their children to a higher-rated school in another district. Since school funding is based on student attendance, this can mean the school loses money. Conversely, some state funding is set up to direct more resources to schools in high-poverty areas, and good leadership can use these funds to improve.
    • Public Perception: The A-F ratings can shape how the public sees a school. High grades can make a neighborhood more popular and increase property values, while low grades can have the opposite effect. This creates a lot of pressure on schools to perform well.

    School Consolidations

    Some districts have closed and combined schools to save money and resources. This has had different effects on their ratings.

    • Richardson ISD: After closing four elementary schools, some of the schools that took in new students saw their ratings drop.
    • Allen ISD: This district consolidated schools a year earlier and has since bounced back. Schools that saw their ratings drop at first are now improving.
    • Garland ISD: This district has had a good experience with school consolidations, with all consolidated schools seeing their ratings improve.

    How to Find Out More

    The TEA ratings give parents important information about their children’s schools. You can find the full list of ratings and more details on the txschools.gov website.

    TEA Superintendent, Mike Morath, speaks on the TEA accountability ratings.

  • Misconduct Allegations Lead to Police Firings in West Memphis

    On August 12, 2025, the city of West Memphis made a significant move: Major Stacy Allen, Captain Mose Walker, Officer Treasure Gaither, and Officer Blake Forthman were fired from the police department. These four had previously been placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation was underway.

    Why Were They Fired?

    The department launched both internal and independent investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct. The findings led to the termination of these officers, reflecting the city’s intent to uphold public trust and fairness.

    A Voice from Within: Jennifer Jordan Speaks Out

    Jennifer Jordan, a former West Memphis Police sergeant who served for 13 years before leaving in 2021, revealed that she had been aware of serious concerns for years. Between 2019 and 2020, at least 12 women approached her with complaints of harassment and unsafe working conditions. She reported these to department leadership, but little was done at the time.

    Jordan expressed deep frustration: “I’m not happy, because it took so long, and now we have other alleged victims. It didn’t have to come to this.” She emphasized the lack of a safe process for reporting such issues. In her view, officers had to go through a chain of command that included the very person accused—Major Allen.

    Jordan hopes these firings mark the beginning of meaningful change in the department.

  • How New SNAP Rules Affect Millions of Americans

    A new law signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, changes the food assistance program, SNAP. It expands work requirements for benefits to include people aged 18 to 64, such as veterans, those leaving foster care, homeless individuals, and parents of children aged 14 or older. They must work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours each month. Native Americans and those who cannot work for medical reasons are still exempt.

    The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that around 2.4 million people nationwide may lose SNAP benefits each month because of these changes. The law also cuts federal nutrition spending by about $186 billion to $295 billion over the next decade. Additionally, about $92 billion in savings comes from expanded work requirements, while $128 billion stems from shifting more of the program’s cost to the states.

    State-Level Impacts & Costs

    Illinois (example):
    Around 360,000 of the 1.9 million SNAP users in Illinois could lose eligibility under the new work rules. Starting in fiscal year 2027 (October 2026), the state will be responsible for 75% of administrative costs, up from 50%. Then, beginning fiscal year 2028 (October 2027), Illinois must cover 15% of SNAP benefit costs due to its 11% error rate—potentially adding $705 million to the state’s bill.

    Kansas & Missouri:
    These states, home to over 840,000 SNAP recipients, also face the expanded work requirements and increased cost burdens.

    Texas:
    In Texas, nearly 700,000 Texans might be affected, especially in communities like Houston’s Fifth Ward. Service reductions and tougher eligibility could hurt working-poor and minority neighborhoods hardest.

    Other Hard-Hit States:
    California, New York, and Florida are also expected to face serious challenges. California may see thousands of families lose SNAP, New York could lose rural hospitals due to reduced Medicaid support, and Florida faces higher administrative costs and work requirements.

    Cost Projections

    • Federal reductions: Between $186 billion (per AP) and $295 billion (CBO estimate) in SNAP spending cuts over 2025–2034.
    • Work requirement savings: ~$92 billion.
    • Shifting cost to states: ~$128 billion.
    • The CBO estimates a federal SNAP spending cut of around $279 billion over 10 years, with states absorbing $121 billion of additional costs.
    • The mismatched cost shift may lead some states to reduce or exit the SNAP program.

    Nationally, the CBO also suggests that up to 4.7 million people could stop getting SNAP benefits on average each month under the bill, even more than the 2.4 million previously mentioned.

    When the Work Requirements Begin

    • The law was signed on July 4, 2025.
    • Work requirements for SNAP start immediately or soon after, though timing can vary by state. Specific deadlines aren’t universally mandated but states are expected to begin changes in the 2026–2027 timeframe.
    • Supportive edits note the work requirement applies to ages 18–64, whereas previous versions targeted 18–54.

  • A Community in Fear: The Devil’s Den Case

    A popular hiking spot, a family enjoying a day out, and a horrific crime that has shaken a community to its core. This is the story of the Devil’s Den State Park murders.

    A married couple, Clinton and Cristen Brink, were brutally murdered while hiking with their two young daughters in Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. The suspect, Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old teacher, was arrested five days later in a barbershop. This case has left the community with many questions, not only about the motive for this seemingly random act of violence but also about the suspect’s past.

    The Brinks (left), McGann (right)

    The Victims: A Family New to Arkansas

    Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, had recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from South Dakota. They were excited to start a new life with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9. Clinton was about to start a new job as a milk delivery driver, and Cristen was a licensed nurse. They were a loving family, and their tragic deaths have left a void in the lives of their loved ones. The family has stated that the couple died as “heroes protecting their little girls.”

    The Crime: A Brutal Attack in a Serene Setting

    On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Brink family was hiking on a trail in Devil’s Den State Park. In a horrific turn of events, they were attacked by a man with a knife. It is believed that Clinton was attacked first. Cristen, in a final act of maternal love, ushered her daughters to safety before returning to help her husband, where she was also fatally stabbed. The two young girls, though physically unharmed, were left to witness an unspeakable tragedy. They managed to alert another hiker, which set the investigation in motion.

    The Suspect: A Teacher with a Troubling Past

    Andrew James McGann, the man accused of this heinous crime, was a teacher. He had recently been hired by the Springdale Public School district in Arkansas and was due to start his new job in a week. However, this was not his first teaching position. He had previously worked in school districts in Texas and Oklahoma.

    Concerns about McGann’s behavior had been raised in the past. At Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, he was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 due to “concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism.” Parents had complained about his “grooming behavior” towards young female students, alleging that he would give them special treatment, including gifts and physical touch. Despite these complaints, an internal investigation by the Lewisville Independent School District “found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students,” and McGann resigned in May 2023. He then went on to teach in Oklahoma before moving to Arkansas.

    The Arrest: A Manhunt Ends in a Barbershop

    After a five-day manhunt, which included a flood of tips from the public, McGann was arrested on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He was found at a barbershop in Springdale, Arkansas, about 30 miles north of Devil’s Den. Surveillance footage from the barbershop captured the moment of his arrest. Police have stated that McGann was cooperative and admitted to the murders soon after his arrest. His DNA was also matched to blood found at the crime scene.

    The Investigation and What’s Next

    Andrew James McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder and is being held without bond. He has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution has indicated that they will seek the death penalty. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, but authorities believe it was a random act of violence.

    This tragic case has left a community in shock and mourning for the Brink family. It has also raised serious questions about the systems in place to vet and monitor teachers, especially those who have faced complaints in the past. As the legal process unfolds, the community, and the nation, will be watching closely, hoping for justice for Clinton and Cristen Brink and for answers that may help prevent such a tragedy from happening again.