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Prophet EJ Newton Faces Attempted Arrest During Church Service Over Custody Dispute

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Prophet EJ Newton, the head of 433 Church in Miami, found himself in the spotlight after an incident during a live church service where police attempted to arrest him. The event, captured in a viral video, shows officers interrupting Newton’s sermon, leading to widespread discussion on social media. In the video, officers can be heard asking to speak with Newton, to which he responds by asking his congregation to continue praying as he steps aside to address the situation.

The caption on the shared video suggested that Newton was facing kidnapping charges. However, Newton later clarified on Instagram that the incident stemmed from a contentious child custody battle with his ex-wife, who reportedly accused him of trying to flee the country with their children during an ongoing legal dispute.

“My ex-wife [is] claiming that I’m trying to flee the country in the middle of a parenting schedule case. A judge granted an emergency extraction. They had people come also into the service which we spotted,” Newton explained. He further stated, “This whole thing has been so weird but let me be clear – I am not fleeing. I never planned to go anywhere. Now, they’re searching members’ cars and preventing them from leaving church grounds.”

The situation has fueled debates online, with some users applauding Newton’s composure, while others cautioned against potential false prophets. Amid the legal turmoil, Newton has remarried, tying the knot with Darrian Simone in September, whom he praised for her support during both his highest and lowest times.

This incident highlights the often public and complex nature of personal legal battles involving public figures, especially when they intersect with their public roles. The ongoing custody dispute between Newton and his ex-wife appears to be escalating, drawing significant public and media attention.

Ghanaian Man Invokes Powerful River Gods Against UK ‘Baby Mama’ for Reporting Him

A Ghanaian man living in the United Kingdom has resorted to invoking the wrath of two revered deities from Ghana against his baby mama, identified as Erica Serwaa Amonoo, for allegedly reporting him to UK officials which resulted in him being mandated to pay child support.

In a video that surfaced on the social media platform X, the man, visibly upset and armed with traditional items like eggs and schnapps, publicly cursed his baby mama outside her home. He specifically invoked the Tano River god and Antoa Nyamaa, asking for dire consequences if any money from his bank account was used by her or for their children’s sustenance.

His exact words were, “If any amount of money is deducted from my bank account and transferred to you, Erica Serwaa Amonoo, may the Tano River god strike you dead. If you use any money deducted from my account to buy food and eat, may the dreaded Antoa Nyamaa god kill you instantly. If you use any money that comes from me to buy food for our children, may you be killed. I will not work for my money to be used in taking care of you. Our great gods, may you receive this alcoholic drink I give to you and act on my request,” as he ceremonially poured schnapps on the ground.

In the UK, child support, or child maintenance, is legally required to ensure financial support for children. The payment structure is as follows:

  • Basic Rate: For parents earning between £200 and £800 gross weekly:
    • 12% for one child
    • 16% for two children
    • 19% for three or more children
  • Basic Plus Rate: For incomes between £800 and £3,000, the parent pays the basic rate on the first £800 plus an additional percentage on the income above that.
  • Minimum Payment: There’s a minimum weekly payment of £7 after considering shared care arrangements.

In this system, the parent who pays is referred to as the “non-resident parent,” while the one receiving support is the “person with care,” who does not necessarily have to be the biological parent.

Sonny Smart Age, Career, Death

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Sonny Smart, father of the University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, died at the age of 76 on January 4, 2025, due to complications from hip surgery following a fall. The family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, which ended in a loss for Kirby’s team, the Bulldogs.

The Smart family expressed their gratitude to Ochsner Medical Center’s staff for their care and solicited prayers for those affected by a tragic event that occurred on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. They shared their appreciation for thoughts and prayers, seeking divine comfort and guidance during this time of mourning.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1948 in Columbia, Alabama, Sonny Smart grew up in a family passionate about sports, particularly football. He attended Houston County High School and later played center at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, before embarking on a coaching career.

Career

Smart’s coaching journey began at Holtville High School in Alabama, where he held multiple roles, including offensive and defensive line coach and head baseball coach. His tenure led to regional titles in 1980 and 1981, and a state baseball championship in 1982.

He then moved to Bainbridge High School in Georgia as a defensive coordinator, leading to their first state championship in 1982. He later became head coach at Bainbridge from 1988, where he coached his son Kirby, and built a team that went 10-3 in 1993, reaching the Class 4A semi-finals.

His final coaching position was at Rabun County High School from 1995 to 2003, where he achieved significant milestones, including leading the team to the playoffs and winning a region championship in 1998. Sonny concluded his coaching career with a record of 90-78-1.

Personal Life

Married to Sharon Smart, they raised three children together, with a strong emphasis on family values. Sonny’s relationship with his son Kirby was pivotal, influencing Kirby’s approach to coaching with lessons on preparation and resilience.

Death

Sonny Smart’s passing was the result of complications post-hip surgery after he fell in New Orleans. His death came as a significant loss not only to his family but to the broader community of football, where his influence was felt through his son’s successful career at the University of Georgia.

Nathaniel Bassey to Perform Worship at Trump’s Inaugural Prayer Event

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Renowned Nigerian gospel artist and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to lead worship at the prestigious Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, scheduled for January 20, 2025. The event is set to occur at the Waldorf Astoria Presidential Ballroom in Washington, D.C., serving as a non-partisan, faith-based gathering to offer spiritual support to the new administration.

Nathaniel Bassey, known globally for his profound worship music and for initiating the widely acclaimed ‘Hallelujah Challenge’, exemplifies the increasing global presence of Nigerian gospel music. His participation in this event highlights both his personal influence and the rising international recognition of Nigerian gospel artists.

The prayer breakfast, under the stewardship of Reverend Merrie Turner, will also feature notable speakers such as Dr. Alveda King and Pastor Mario Bramnick. Excited about the opportunity, Bassey shared on Instagram, “Let’s raise a sound in America. See you on January 20, 2025.”

This invitation is a significant achievement in Bassey’s career, reinforcing his mission to spread messages of hope, faith, and the gospel on a global scale….

High Court Directs Recollation in Ablekuma North Constituency

In a significant judicial intervention, the High Court has mandated the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate and redeclare the results from 62 outstanding polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency. This ruling follows a successful application by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a writ of mandamus, compelling the EC to complete the electoral process fully.

Justice Baah Forson Agyapong, who presided over the case, stressed the necessity for the EC to include all votes to ensure the integrity of the election. The Ablekuma North constituency comprises 281 polling stations, but only 219 had been collated at the time of the court’s decision.

The NPP argued that the EC’s earlier declaration was flawed since the results from all polling stations had not been accounted for, which could skew the outcome of the parliamentary election. The EC had attempted to justify the premature declaration by citing security concerns for its staff, but the court ruled that such concerns do not negate the legal requirement to collate all votes.

This ruling carries broader implications for electoral practices in Ghana, emphasizing that complete and accurate collation of votes is non-negotiable for maintaining the credibility of elections. It follows a pattern of judicial oversight in electoral matters, with a similar mandate given for the Tema Central constituency.

Additionally, the court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that the recollation process occurs under secure conditions, preventing any potential disruptions. This directive aims to facilitate a smooth and fair completion of the electoral process.

The re-collation could potentially alter the current standing of the parliamentary race, particularly for NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn, who had been leading based on the previously declared results. Her recent thanksgiving service celebrating her initial victory now hangs in the balance as the EC moves to comply with the court’s order.

This case highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic processes, ensuring that every vote is counted, and reinforcing public faith in electoral outcomes.

High Court Orders Recollation in Okaikwei Central Constituency

In a landmark decision, the High Court in Accra has ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate and declare the results from 31 polling stations that were left uncounted in the Okaikwei Central constituency. This ruling was announced on January 4, 2025, following a legal challenge by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The NPP had contested the initial declaration where Baba Sadiq of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was announced as the winner, arguing that the process was incomplete as it did not include votes from all polling stations in the area.

Justice Forson Agyapong, presiding over the case, mandated the EC to incorporate these outstanding results into the existing tally and to redeclare the parliamentary election results for Okaikwei Central. This directive aims to ensure the electoral process reflects the true will of the electorate.

The EC is now tasked with revisiting the votes from these 31 polling stations, which could potentially alter the outcome of the election in this constituency. The court’s decision underscores the importance of a thorough and transparent electoral process, especially in closely contested regions.

The outcome of this recollation is eagerly awaited by both political parties and the constituents of Okaikwei Central, as it will determine the rightful representative for the area in the Ghanaian Parliament. This case has become emblematic of broader discussions about electoral integrity and the mechanisms in place to correct discrepancies in vote counting.

High Court Directs Recollation of Election Results in Techiman South

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In a significant legal ruling, High Court Judge Justice Forson Agyapong has ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to recollate the votes for the Techiman South parliamentary constituency. This directive comes after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Adjei Mensah Korsah, successfully sought a writ of Mandamus to force the completion of the electoral process.

The judge’s decision was part of a series of judgments addressing disputes over parliamentary seats from the recent elections. Justice Agyapong highlighted that the EC had not completed the collation of results, noting there are still 147 polling stations whose votes have not been accounted for in the final tally.

The court found that despite demands placed on the EC to act, no steps had been taken to finalize the collation. Consequently, the judge mandated the EC to promptly collate the votes from these stations and integrate them with the previously counted results.

To ensure the process is carried out without disruption, the High Court has also instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide sufficient security measures, specifically armed personnel, to oversee the recollation and subsequent declaration of the winner.

This ruling affects the ongoing contest between Dr. Christopher Bayere of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Adjei Mensah Korsah of the NPP, potentially altering the outcome for the Techiman South seat.

This decision underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding electoral integrity, ensuring that every vote is accounted for, and reflects the will of the electorate. The EC is now under legal obligation to act decisively, with the eyes of both political parties and the public keenly watching the next steps.

Moore Community Mourns Loss of Promising Volleyball Star Ximena Duran

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In the quiet town of Moore, Oklahoma, a somber atmosphere has enveloped Westmoore High School following the tragic car accident that claimed the life of beloved student and volleyball athlete, Ximena Duran. Ximena, who played for the OK Premier Volleyball’s 17 Diamonds team, was known for her unwavering dedication to the sport and her infectious enthusiasm both on and off the court.

The news of Ximena’s passing sent shockwaves through the community, leaving students, faculty, and teammates in a state of profound grief. She was more than just an athlete; she was a beacon of positivity and a source of inspiration. Her commitment to volleyball was matched by her academic efforts and her ability to connect with people, making her a cherished member of the Westmoore family.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community has come together in solidarity. Vigils have been held where candles light up the night, each flame a tribute to Ximena’s vibrant spirit. These gatherings have turned into poignant memorials where stories of her kindness, laughter, and achievements are shared, providing comfort in a time of collective mourning.

The OK Premier Volleyball organization released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, emphasizing Ximena’s love for the game and her role as a teammate. “She was not just a player; she was a leader and a friend to many,” read part of their tribute. This sentiment echoes through the halls of Westmoore High School, where her absence is felt every day.

Local media outlets have covered the tragedy extensively, focusing not only on the details of the accident but also on the community’s response. They’ve highlighted the support systems being put in place for students and faculty, and the various ways in which the school and town are honoring Ximena’s memory.

As the community moves forward, they do so with a heavy heart but with a commitment to honor Ximena’s legacy. Her passion for volleyball, her drive, and her ability to bring people together will continue to inspire her peers. The loss serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, urging everyone to cherish every moment and support one another through times of grief.

Ximena Duran’s memory will live on, not just through the championships and games she played, but through the lives she touched, the smiles she inspired, and the unity she fostered within her community. In Moore, Oklahoma, Ximena’s spirit will remain a guiding light for those who knew her and for those who will hear of her through the stories shared in her honor.

Ghana’s First Lady Clashes with Speaker of Parliament Over Criticism of President

On January 3, 2025, during the State of the Nation Address, tension escalated in Ghana’s Parliament when First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo openly confronted Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, following sharp criticism of her husband, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The incident unfolded as parliamentary proceedings wrapped up. After President Akufo-Addo’s speech, which included signing the chronicle, Rebecca Akufo-Addo expressed her frustration towards the Speaker. She was particularly upset over the remarks made by Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who had labeled the current administration as the “worst government in the 4th Republic of Ghana.”

In a moment captured on video, the First Lady pointedly snubbed Speaker Bagbin, refusing to acknowledge his attempt at exchanging pleasantries. In her exasperation, she was heard saying, “You sit there and allow people to speak anyhow,” clearly indicating her discontent with Bagbin’s handling of the parliamentary session’s decorum.

The Speaker, caught off guard by the First Lady’s rebuke, proceeded with his responsibilities without much public reaction. However, this confrontation did not go unnoticed. It quickly became viral on social media platforms, where many Ghanaians condemned the First Lady for her involvement in parliamentary affairs, deeming it inappropriate and a breach of protocol.

This incident has stirred debate about the roles and boundaries of the First Lady in political settings, questioning the etiquette expected in such high-stakes, formal environments. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions in Ghana, where parliamentary discourse often reflects the broader political climate.

The video of the confrontation has been widely shared, fueling discussions on the responsibilities of parliamentary leaders in maintaining order and the influence of public figures like the First Lady in shaping political narratives.

Tragic Murder-Suicide in West Greenwich, Rhode Island: Family of Four Found Dead

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WEST GREENWICH, RI — In a heart-wrenching incident, Danielle Arruda, a 39-year-old pregnant mother of two from West Greenwich, Rhode Island, was found dead alongside her children in what authorities describe as a murder-suicide carried out by her husband on Friday, January 3, 2025.

Local police were dispatched to the Arruda family home on 15 Cheyenne Trail following a welfare check request after Danielle failed to appear at work for several days. Upon arrival, officers encountered a scene of devastation; all four family members, including Arruda’s unborn child, had been killed by gunshot wounds, with the husband believed to have then turned the gun on himself.

Danielle Arruda was recognized in the community as an escrow officer and closing paralegal at Marinosci Law Group, where she had been employed since March 2023, specializing in real estate dealings. Before that, she served as an escrow closer at Liberty Title & Escrow Co. in Warwick since September 2016. Her career also included roles as a closing officer at Embrace Home Loans in Newport, RI, and as a pharmacy technician with CVS Caremark.

The exact timeline of the tragedy remains under investigation, but it’s speculated that the incident might have occurred anytime within the ten days Danielle was absent from work. The home, where the family lived, is described as a modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom property valued at approximately $385,000.

West Greenwich Police Chief Richard Ramsay has withheld the names of the victims out of respect for the grieving families, but confirmed the involvement of the Rhode Island State Police in the ongoing investigation.

This incident has shocked the small town of West Greenwich, known for its close-knit community, and has cast a somber mood over the start of the new year. The community now mourns the loss of a family, highlighting once again the dark side of domestic violence that can lead to such devastating outcomes.

The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and closure in this profoundly sad case.