It’s no secret that Ciara has been at the forefront of the public eye as of late. The combination of motherhood, promise of abstinence to boyfriend Russell Wilson and her sixth studio album “Jackie” out now, Ciara has taken everything in stride and kept an amazingly positive attitude. She stopped by the Sway in the Morning studios to speak on motherhood and how she now understands the way her mother raised her, being confident in her new music and how faith has kept her steady. In between we also hear Ciara joke about twerking before it was called that, album sales and why it’s more important to have steady sales instead of a first week blowout and truly feeling great with everything in her life. When asked about her public relationship with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and advice for dating in the spotlight she said, “Do what feels right to you. Don’t over think it, don’t calculate it, just be.”
Missing Transgender Woman Elisha Walker Found Dead In Crude Grave The body of Elisha Walker, a 20-year-old transgender woman who had been missing for almost a year , was found in a “crude grave” in Johnston County, North Carolina. According to advocates and local media, the discovery was made more than 100 miles from Walker’s home in Salisbury, North Carolina. Via Raw Story : A Latin Kings gang member, Angel Dejesus Arias, 23, was arrested and charged with killing Walker and stealing her car, reports said on Thursday. He was being held without bond. Amid reports from Detroit, Texas and Phoenix of the deaths of three more black, transgender women, some observers have placed the number of transgender women killed this year at 16. In a statement, transgender Human Rights Campaign staff member Laya Monarez said: “Even as we are seeing an increase in transgender visibility through a range of inspiring national media stories, including Caitlyn Jenner’s, the levels of violence and harassment transgender people face – particularly transgender women and transgender women of color – constitute a national crisis .” This week, Texas police announced an investigation into the death of 22-year-old Shade Schuler, whose body was found badly decomposed in a field in Dallas. It took almost three weeks to identify her remains. Activists in Michigan were also asking for help from Detroit law enforcement, after 20-year-old Amber Monroe was shot and killed in a city park. She was the fifth transgender woman to be killed in Palmer Park since 2014. In Phoenix on Tuesday night a 35-year-old transgender woman, Kandis Capri, was shot dead. Walker was reported missing in November 2014, after her family had not heard from her since 24 October, the Salisbury Post reported. Police gave local media information about Walker’s disappearance in an effort to generate leads, but few were forthcoming until Walker’s burnt-out 2000 Pontiac Sunfire was discovered in an open field in Sampson County, police said in a release. Arias had lived in a house in Salisbury that Walker was known to frequent, before moving to Johnston County, more than 100 miles away, where he was arrested on unrelated drug charges. Rowan County police obtained a search warrant for a Johnston County house, they said. They discovered Walker’s body in a “small depression” behind it. Arias will not face hate crimes charges over Walker’s death. North Carolina does not have a hate crimes statute. Should trans people be protected under the hate crimes statute as well??
Warren Sapp Accused Of Biting Girlfriend And Stomping Her Head WTF is wrong with Warren Sapp ?! According to TMZ reports : Warren Sapp has just been charged with 3 counts of domestic violence stemming from an incident in Las Vegas … where officials say he bit and stomped on his girlfriend’s head … TMZ Sports has learned. According to official documents obtained by TMZ Sports … Sapp attacked his longtime girlfriend Chalyce Moore on April 28th at the M Resort in Las Vegas. According to the police report, the two had been arguing … and Sapp allegedly threw a margarita in her face in their private cabana by the pool. Sapp allegedly grabbed Chalyce by the arm or purse and violently pulled on her … nearly taking her down to the ground. The couple left the resort together in a car — heading toward Chalyce’s condo. During the car ride, the Chalyce says she got sick of arguing and told Sapp to get out of the car … but he responded by BITING HER MIDDLE FINGER. At one point, Sapp got out of the car and asked another driver for a ride. The driver denied his request. Type of grown azz man bites a woman’s finger???? According to the docs, they got back in the car together and eventually got to the condo — where the violence continued. Once inside, Sapp allegedly threw a belt at her … and she threw it back at him … and during the altercation, she ended up on the floor. While she was down, Chalyce claims Sapp stepped on her face while wearing white Jordan sandals. Cops say they went to the M Resort and watched security footage that backed up her story. They now have that video. Chalyce’s friend told police that Sapp’s GF has sustained multiple injuries — including a bruise on her lower lip, abrasions and bruises on her shoulders, bruising on her legs, and a bruise on one of her temples with a checkerboard imprint (presumably from Sapp’s Jordan sandals). Just lock this fool up before he beats up some more women. SMH
North Carolina Reads Book About Gay Kings To Class After Student Is Bullied A North Carolina teacher is drawing both praise and criticism for the way he handled a bullying situation with one of his students. Via HuffPo : Omar Currie, 25, teaches third grade at Efland-Cheeks Elementary School in Efland, North Carolina. Three weeks ago, Currie overheard some of his students calling one of their male classmates “gay” and “a woman.” Instead of sending the bullies to the principal’s office, Currie took a different approach: He read his class King & King, a children’s fable by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland that features a same-sex romance. Currie, who identifies as gay, told The Huffington Post that he wanted to have an honest conversation with his students — whom he affectionately refers to as his “kids” — on how to treat people who may seem different. “There was a group of boys that had been referring to the child as a girl or a woman, saying ‘OK, woman,’ or ‘OK, girl,’” Currie told HuffPost. He stepped in and addressed the issue, he said, but then it happened again. “This particular child who was being bullied was very, very upset.” The following day, Currie read his class King & King, a picture book whose main character, a prince, must find a suitor to marry. After meeting with a succession of princesses and feeling no spark, the prince eventually falls in love with another prince. The two wed, becoming kings together, and the book ends with the two kings kissing. Currie said he knows all too well the pains of being bullied at school. He said the classroom should be a safe environment for all children. “Every single day in middle school I was called a fa**ot,” he said. “I was called that in front of teachers and no one ever stopped to address the problem. It gave me an understanding that it must be fixed immediately when it happens.” The school board committee ultimately determined that the book would not be banned, but that in the future, teachers must inform parents about every book they plan to read for their class. Currie said he disagrees with the latter decision, but appreciates the love and support he has received. Do you think the teacher should have read the book to the class?
Student Suspended From University Of South Carolina Over Racist Snapchat Her parents must be so proud. Via WISTV reports: A student at the University of South Carolina has been suspended after a photo of the student who appeared to be writing a racial slur went viral Friday. The photo, which appears to be taken from Snapchat and posted on several social media sites, shows a list of reasons why “USC’s WiFi blows.” On the top of that list is the N-word. The University of South Carolina said it actually took place inside a study room. President Harris Pastides said the student was suspended Friday and a code of conduct investigation has begun. The course of action endorsed was also endorsed by the Board of Trustees, Pastides said. “The unfortunate and disappointing act of a student in a study room has challenged the Carolina community to reflect on our values and tell the world what we believe,” Pastides said in a statement. “Respect for all is at the heart of the Carolinian Creed, the code by which we agree to abide. Racist and uncivil rhetoric have no place at the University of South Carolina.” The student, who was not named, could also face expulsion. Following the incident the NAACP released the following statement: “A recent tweet that shows a student at the University of South Carolina listing the N-word as one of her grievances against the institution brings to mind a famous quote attributed to the French writer Alfonse Karr, “the more things change, the more they remain the same”. Such negative attitudes have existed since the first European explorers visited the land we now call America. It is disappointing but no longer shocking to see a college student following what appears to be a growing trend in our state and nation. Scenes such as this while captured in still shots from time to time through social media, sadly reflect what people of color often experience in many communities. In the midst of the positive portrayal of University of South Carolina students over the past several weeks, we once again face a stark reality: even at our highest points as a society there are those among us – including the young – who wish they were still in Dixie. This is why the NAACP cannot compromise, must not relent in its pursuit of dignity, justice and equality for all people in America.” The student shown in the photo has yet to say anything publicly about the incident. There goes that theory that only old people are racist… SMH. Do you think they should expel her? Twitter
Greg Hardy’s Domestic Violence Case Dismissed As Abused Girlfriend Didn’t Show Up Court Via CharlotteObserver Greg Hardy’s domestic-abuse case was abruptly dismissed Monday because his accuser – who is believed to have reached an undisclosed civil settlement with the Carolina Panthers’ Pro-Bowl defensive end – could not be found to testify. Nicole Holder, Hardy’s ex-girlfriend, told prosecutors last fall she did not want to go through another trial after Hardy’s initial conviction in July 2014, District Attorney Andrew Murray said in a statement Monday as jury selection was about to get underway at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Hardy, who came to court in a dark, pin-striped suit and white $600 Balenciagas tennis shoes, appeared impassive as the decision was revealed. He said nothing, and his attorney, Chris Fialko, would not take questions. Since November, efforts to contact Holder and serve her with a subpoena have been fruitless, Murray said, despite “extraordinary measures” that included police staking out the addresses where she was believed to be living and requests to relatives to have her come forward. Murray said that he understood Holder had reached an independent settlement with Hardy. Holder’s attorney, Daniel Zamora of Charlotte, did not return a phone call Monday morning. In the days leading up to Hardy’s trial, Zamora refused to say whether Holder would appear. In July, with Holder at his side, Zamora said Hardy’s conviction “sent a strong message to the people of Mecklenburg County that it doesn’t matter if you’re an average Joe or if you’re a professional athlete that plays for the Carolina Panthers: If you assault a woman and you communicate to that woman that you will kill them, you will be arrested. You will be prosecuted, and you will be convicted.” Speaking briefly with reporters after the cased was dismissed, Murray said his office remains committed to prosecuting domestic abuse cases. In many cases, prosecutors go to trial without the cooperation of victims, who may change their minds on bringing charges or fear reprisals from their attackers. Something just seems terribly wrong about a man dodging prison just because he paid his victim a couple dollars for beating her. Image via AP
Life isn’t so bad for Bonnie and Damon on The Vampire Diaries Season 6 . Yes, they’re stuck in 1994 without their friends. Granted, they are living the same day over and over again. And, we know, they don’t even like each other very much. But at least they can go shopping without any lines or hassle! In the following sneak peek at The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 3 – which is titled “Welcome to Paradise” and which airs on Thursday, October 16 – we see the pair buying some groceries while discussing their unique situation. Is someone else really out there? Is Bonnie doing crossword puzzles in her sleep? Watch the character discuss and debate now: The Vampire Diaries Clip – Stuck in 1994 Also on this episode, look for Stefan to seek revenge against Enzo and for Matt to make a startling discovery. Also, Jeremy will take his shirt off and go swimming. Hooray! You can watch The Vampire Diaries online via TV Fanatic to catch up and you can ogle the very attractive cast members here: The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Cast Photos 1. Ian Somerhalder Promo Pic Yes, Damon sort of died to end The Vampire Diaries Season 5. But Ian Somerhalder will still a key role going forward on The CW drama.
Jana Duggar has been in the news a lot this week, and for controversial reasons completely separate from the typical coverage of her famous reality TV family. The long and short of it? The 24-year-old Jana is single. That’s it. Plenty of 24-year-olds are. Taylor Swift is, and loving it. But this is the eldest daughter of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, which makes it stand out. Jana Duggar Photos: So Beautiful, So Maligned 1. Jana Marie Duggar Jana Marie Duggar is so beautiful … and put upon, supposedly, by a family that relies on her to help take care of the others but never have a life of her own. If that’s true, it’s sad. Is it time for her to break free? Jana Duggar seems like she would be a great catch by any measure. Pretty, fun, sensible, kind, family-oriented and patient as a saint, she’s all that a guy (who doesn’t drink and doesn’t mind side hugs until marriage) could want. Those last two traits that may be her undoing romantically, though. If you watch 19 Kids and Counting online , or follow the family at all, you know that Jill Duggar, 23, is married and pregnant. Jessa Duggar, 21, is engaged. Jana? She’s overworked and still all by her lonesome. What gives? She’s either selfless and put upon or mistreated by her family and not allowed to date because she’s forced to help raise the kids, depending on what you believe. Recent episodes in particular have given rise to the latter theory. Watching Jana work tirelessly prepare for Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard’s wedding, while the other Duggars enjoyed the festivities, left a bad impression on some fans. Her fatigue and disappointment was well-masked, but still palpable, and fueled reports that she is planning to break free from her family and start a life of her own. We have no doubt she loves her siblings, but she also has 18 of them, 16 of which are younger. She’s been acting like a de facto mom since she was a teen. That’s bound to take a toll on anyone, even a saint from heaven. So scroll through the photos above to give Jana her due, long overdue as it is, and gaze upon this beautiful, overshadowed and maligned Duggar in all her glory. Then join us as we say to Jim Bob, with all due respect: FREE JANA! 9 Things BANNED in the Duggar Family 1. Dates Without Chaperones The Duggar parents often accompany their children on dates in order to maintain their “accountability” and “keep things from going in the wrong direction,” per Jim Bob. The girls are fine with this, as being alone with men puts them in grave “moral danger.” When the parents aren’t available, their older siblings will often tag along, making every date a group date and a family affair.
Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans posted a photo of her baby son Kaiser with what looks like a black eye, which of course prompted cries of child abuse online. Someone even called Child Protective Services on her over the image below, which did not sit well with the Carolina Hurricane and sparked a Twitter rebuke: Jenelle leaves Kaiser, three months old, in the care of her mother-in-law (or her baby daddy’s Nathan Griffith ‘s mom, since they’re not married) while in school. Often, she posts pictures from their day to day adventures in parenting, but someone actually reported Jenelle to the state agency after this photo. Anyone with little kids knows that they get bonked, bruised and scratched on a routine basis, figuring out how to crawl, walk and roll over, et cetera. That, combined with the fact that no one was there to see what (if anything) happened to the youngster makes the call to CPS a pretty crazy move. Not surprisingly, Jenelle was fuming about it: U guys r seriously accusing me of giving Kai a black eye?! Wtf is wrong with all if u. CALL CPS again. I dare u, idiots. Me and Nathan’s mom just got finished laughing at u haters. She’s like “even if Kai did have a black eye.. Would u REALLY be posting it ?!” She makes a good point, even it does look like he suffered a bonk of some kind. Attributing that to abuse you assume took place is pretty absurd, though. Jenelle Evans , who appeared with Leah Messer, Kailyn Lowry, and Chelsea Houska on this week’s reunion show ( watch Teen Mom 2 online ) is a lot of things. Abusive is not one of them. In fact, she posts almost daily pics of all the cute things she and her little family do together, from the benign to the adorable. We know Jenelle has had a tough past and that haters will always assume the worst, and she may be guilty of oversharing and giving them too much ammo. She’s not a child abuser though. Move on. Jenelle Evans Baby Photos 1. Jenelle Evans, Daddy and Baby Jenelle Evans, Nathan Griffith and their newborn baby son Kaiser share a touching moment.
