by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 31, 2025

Laila Ali Says ‘Absolutely Not’ To Claressa Shields $15M Fight Offer

Laila Ali says "absolutely not" to Claressa Shields' $15 million fight offer.

Laila Ali has put to rest rumors about a potential comeback to face Claressa Shields for $15 million, and her answer is a firm “absolutely not.”

In part two of her “Set the Record Straight” message on her Laila Ali KO podcast, the undefeated boxing champion addressed Shields and explained why she won’t come out of her nearly 20-year retirement to face her. Ali stated that Shields has repeatedly disrespected her name and legacy as Muhammad Ali’s daughter, and she has no intention of giving Shields the “opportunity” to earn a big payday at her expense.

“So did her plan work? Did she make me mad enough to come out of retirement after 18 years and start training again to make her dream of fighting me and having a big payday courtesy of Laila Ali come true? Absolutely not,” Ali quipped in a reposted clip of the podcast.

“After years of blatant lies and vile disrespect, making unsolicited negative remarks about me, questioning the legitimacy of my boxing legacy, and having the audacity to cross the line by disrespecting my deceased father, trying to use his name to discredit his daughter.”

Laila Ali confirms she will NOT be getting in the ring and ‘rewarding’ Claressa Shields with a fight, that’ll give her her biggest payday, due to years of disrespect, spreading false narratives, and mentioning her father, Muhammad Ali https://t.co/Gy2pLUH0LL pic.twitter.com/i6qbWOkjtS
— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) October 30, 2025

Ali also shared a clip of Shields referencing the late Muhammad Ali and seemingly suggesting that Laila doesn’t have the “genes” to match her skill in the ring.

“Muhammad Ali would never. Her daddy would never,” Shields said in the throwback clip. “Maybe she don’t have the genes.”

Following the clip, Ali made it clear why she has no plans of ever seeing Shields in the ring.

“She will not be rewarded with the opportunity to share the ring with me or anything else. There’s your answer,” Ali said.

Ali competed professionally from 1999 until retiring undefeated in 2007, capturing the WBC, WIBA, IWBF, and IBA female super middleweight titles, as well as the IWBF light heavyweight title. Shields, meanwhile, has won 18 major world championships across five weight classes and holds the record for becoming a two-, three-, four-, and five-division world champion in the fewest professional fights.

The Flint native has openly expressed her desire to face Ali, most recently offering a $15 million payday after Ali mentioned she might fight Shields for the right price. However, Ali has made it clear that she has no intention of accepting Shields’ challenge.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 31, 2025

BREAKING: Judge Rules SNAP Benefits Must Remain During Shutdown

The Oct. 31 oral ruling by Judge Jack McConnell of Rhode Island came just 24 hours before the Department of Agriculture (USDA) was set to cut off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Just in the nick of time, a federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must keep SNAP benefits going during the government shutdown, as 42 million Americans depend on the program, CNBC reported.

The Oct. 31 oral ruling by Judge Jack McConnell of Rhode Island came just 24 hours before the Department of Agriculture (USDA) was set to cut off food stamps of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Department of Justice attorney Tyler Beckler argued that the program no longer exists because there were no further congressionally allocated funds for it due to the shutdown.

Following conversations among numerous attorneys general and members of Congress about the $6 billion in a contingency fund that could be used for SNAP benefits, Beckler claimed the decision on its use was at the administration’s discretion.

“There is no SNAP program and, as a result, the government cannot just provide SNAP benefits,” Becker argued.

But McConnell had the affected American people to consider, finding the SNAP suspension arbitrary, according to ABC News, and likely to cause irreparable harm, as Americans are fearful of how they will meet their basic nutritional needs without it.

“There is no doubt, and it is beyond argument, that irreparable harm will begin to occur—if it hasn’t already occurred—in the terror it has caused some people about the availability of funding for food for their family,” he said during the emergency hearing. “The court is orally at this time, ordering that USDA must distribute the contingency money timely, or as soon as possible, for the November 1 payments to be made.”

The ruling also included a temporary restraining order against the plaintiffs—a coalition of local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and workers’ rights organizations—in a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration to keep the benefits flowing. The group celebrated McConnell’s ruling, saying it sets a precedent that no administration is above the law.

“Today’s ruling is a lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and veterans who depend on SNAP to put food on the table,” the coalition said in a statement. “It reaffirms a fundamental principle: no administration can use hunger as a political weapon. This victory is about more than one program — it’s about the American values of fairness, compassion, and accountability that hold our democracy together.”

Other federal judges stood firm alongside McConnell’s ruling. Minutes before, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Boston ruled in a separate case that the administration’s suspension attempt was “unlawful,” but did not order the program to be funded. However, she did not issue a temporary restraining order and pushed for the Trump team to decide whether they would adhere to reducing November SNAP benefits.

The administration has until Nov. 3 to decide.

Sean Combs, ‘Reckoning’ Doc, Abuse Claims, Slap Story, Janice Combs,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 31, 2025

Diddy Transferred To Fort Dix To Serve 50-Month Sentence

The Federal Bureau of Prisons granted the mogul's choice so he can enter the facility’s drug treatment program

Less than a month after his attorneys requested that he serve his 50-month prison sentence at Fort Dix in New Jersey, Sean “Diddy” Combs was transferred to the facility Oct. 30.

According to CNN, the convicted entertainment mogul was granted the request by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison is a low-security federal correctional institution that houses fewer than 4,000 inmates. The request was made by Diddy’s legal team, Oct. 6, so he could take advantage of the facility’s drug treatment program and be closer to family.

“In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the Court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix for RDAP purposes and any other available educational and occupational programs,” his team wrote in a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian.

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) is the bureau’s most intensive treatment program and is typically completed in nine months. Prisoners participating in the program reside in a separate unit from the general population. Participants are enrolled in half-day programming and half-day work, school, or vocational activities.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons also recently announced that Diddy’s expected release date is May 8, 2028.

Combs had been at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since he was arrested and accused of sex trafficking, operating a criminal enterprise, and transporting to engage in prostitution in September 2024. The former Bad Boy label owner was convicted in July on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of the more serious racketeering charges. Subramanian sentenced him Oct. 3 to his prison term, a $500,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.

Earlier this week, his attorneys filed a request with a federal appeals court to expedite his appeal of two prostitution-related convictions, ABC 7 NY reported. In the filing, they argued that, under a standard timeline, Diddy could complete his 50-month prison sentence before the appeal is heard.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 31, 2025

Nobel Prize Winner Wole Soyinka Is Unbothered About His Revoked Visa Status

Before Soyinka’s visa was taken, he’d already destroyed his U.S. green card.

Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka said his U.S. non-immigrant visa was revoked by the American government.

In a video on The Cable YouTube channel, Soyinka suggested the cause of revocation may be linked to his vocal criticism of Donald Trump. The 91-year-old laureate announced the decision during a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. The letter cited “additional information became available” after the visa was issued, but did not provide specifics.

Soyinka said he believes the revocation was prompted by his remarks comparing Trump to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

“Idi Amin was a man of international stature, a statesman, so when I called Donald Trump Idi Amin, I thought I was paying him a compliment,” he said.

Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, becoming the first Black African to receive that honor. He said a letter dated Oct. 23 from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos instructed him to bring his passport to have the visa physically cancelled.

“I have no visa. I am banned obviously from the United States, and if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” Soyinka said.

The Nobel winner said he believes the government’s actions highlight the emerging culture of punishing dissent.

“It’s not about me, I’m not really interested in going back to the United States,” he said. “But a principle is involved. Human beings deserve to be treated decently wherever they are.”

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria declined to comment on the case, citing the confidentiality of visa records. State Department rules grant consular officials broad discretion to revoke non-immigrant visas when circumstances warrant.

Soyinka’s situation is only the latest among prominent global figures whose U.S. visas were revoked in recent months. In one example, former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, also reported having his visa cancelled without explanation after public criticism of U.S. policy.

by Jameelah Mullen

October 31, 2025

EPIC! Patti LaBelle Lands Catalog Deal With Primary Wave

Patti Labelle proves she is the queen of the stage, the kitchen and the boardroom.

Patti LaBelle has signed a partnership deal with music publishing and marketing company Primary Wave Music Group.

The company remained tight-lipped on financial details; however, it confirmed that the partnership includes the singer-songwriter’s artist royalties across her entire catalog, comprising 18 studio albums, three live albums, 14 compilation albums, and 47 singles. LaBelle has sold more than 50 million records worldwide to date.

“We are so honored to be in business with a legend such as Ms. LaBelle,” Primary Wave’s Steven Greener said in a statement to Hollywood Reporter. “She’s a true icon and trailblazer. We are looking forward to doing great things together.”

The deal represents another significant acquisition for Primary Wave. Earlier this year, the company completed the acquisition of Biggie Smalls’ catalog. In 2020, the company purchased the producer royalty income streams of R&B and hip-hop super producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who has produced hits for artists like Destiny’s Child, Michael Jackson, Tony Braxton, and Mary J. Blige.

With a career spanning over 60 years, LaBelle has landed forty-two hits on Billboard’s Hot/R&B Hip-Hop Songs chart, 13 of which reached the Top 10. She is an iconic artist of her generation, best known for hits like “If Only You Knew,” “You Are My Friend,” and “On My Own,” a duet with Michael McDonald. The singer recorded “Lady Marmalade” while she was a member of the three-person girl group Labelle; the song topped Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1974. In 2001, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, Christina Aguilera, and Pink brought it back into the spotlight. Similarly, Kelly Rowland and Nelly’s 2002 duet, “Dilemma,” sampled the songstress’s 1983 hit “Love, Need and Want You,” introducing the classic to a new generation. The Grammy Award-winning singer and actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.

The Godmother of Soul recently performed on The Queens Tour, alongside Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills. The 20-city tour concluded on Oct 20 in Cleveland, Ohio.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 31, 2025

Artist Jennia Fredrique Aponte’s ‘The Clockwork Academy’ Reimagines Black Girls Scholars At Paris Art Week

The feature focused on a reimagined history of Black girl students in Mississippi.

The ClockWork Academy, curated by Black artist Jennia Fredrique Aponte, reimagines Black academia and history at her Paris Art Week debut.

Presented by Art Melanated, the sold-out collection of pieces made waves at the Also Known As Africa Art Fair (AKAA). The series, titled “Clockwork Academy: School for Girls,” focused on an alternative yet imaginative history of Black girl scholars in the American South. The renowned gallery also made history as the only U.S.-based gallery included in the exhibit, which ran from Oct. 24-26.

The paper pieces set their stories in 1892, when academia champions and uplifts Black girlhood. These portraits focused on the Black girls’ intellect, identity, and power during the Industrial Revolution. One of its most prized works, Bailey, has become a representative piece from the series.

“I love collage, I love paper, and now we’re in Paris, my very first, solo show,” Aponte told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“There are eight girls from the 1800s and it’s the body of work is designed to shine a light on the greatness of my ancestors.“

Aponte added: “They are the chefs and mathematicians and architects and the true creatives of the artists of America …”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ART | MELANATED (@artmelanated)

In this era of alternatives, these featured pupils studied the arts and sciences at a revolutionary school founded by Benjamin Banneker’s students. This unheard-of history symbolizes the hope and power found within our future leaders, all by reconnecting with one another through the past.

“When you hear stories about my people in 1892, you think post slavery, you think extreme poverty, you think you know what I mean. You think about sharecropping,” shared Aponte with the AKAA Fair. “But in truth, we were there, in this city that these girls are from, Mound Bayou, Mississippi. It was a self-sustained Black town. It’s a world I created.”

Art Melanated also revealed the supportive response from the Parisian art community and beyond. Local and international visitors found inspiration within this collection, while they hope to charter a new legacy of unity, innovation, and strength from this newfound history.

As Aponte’s first solo international exhibition, the series speaks to her purpose through art, to create new worlds and experiences that revolutionize Black people. An award-winning artist, director, writer, and curator, Aponte helped foster the Art Melanated community as groundbreaking creatives showcase their work.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ART | MELANATED (@artmelanated)

Now with her own collection out in the world, it furthers her mission while highlighting Black life and creativity. As Paris Art Week finally concludes, those inspired by the exhibition’s themes and impact can also take a signature piece for their own collection. Limited Edition prints of “Bailey” are now available on Art Melanated’s website.

Wallace peoples, reform alliance, Wallo267, CMO, Chief marketing officer

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 31, 2025

Wallo267 And Gillie Join Global Gaming League, Will Face Howie Mandel In First Match

'I love Howie Mandel, but we’re about to embarrass that man in 4K,' said Gillie the King

Hip-hop podcasters Gillie the King and Wallo267, of a Million Dollaz Worth of Game fame, have become a part of the Global Gaming League (GGL) as the league’s newest team owners.

The two Philadelphia natives will participate in the entertainment and esports/gaming platform that merges music, media, and celebrity competition. Their first competition will place them against comedian and game show host Howie Mandel. Already, before the opponents meet, Gillie and Wallo have taken shots that will surely make the match more competitive.

“I love Howie Mandel, but we’re about to embarrass that man in 4K,” said Gillie, the former rapper and ghostwriter.

His cousin, Wallo, said, “Howie better bring his A-game. We don’t lose on the mic or the monitor.”

Million Dollaz gaming team vs. Howie Do It gaming team, originally slated to take place in Las Vegas on Oct. 29, has been rescheduled for Nov. 18, a day before the Esports Awards during F1 Week. The match will then stream on GGL’s YouTube channel on Black Friday, Nov. 29, 2025, featuring interactive fan engagement, live commentary, a halftime performance, and surprise guest appearances.

“Gillie and Wallo bring the type of passion, competition, smack talking, and credibility that defines what GGL is all about,” said Clinton Sparks, founder of the Global Gaming League. “Pairing them against Howie Mandel’s team aligns with what the mission of the GGL is all about — bringing different cultures, industries, and worlds together.”

A halftime performance is scheduled featuring the band Wheatus, who have a chart-topping anthem, “Teenage Dirtbag.”

A typical GGL matchup begins with a pre-show live performance, followed by the first-round fight game. Then, there is a live entertainment intermission before the second round of the shooter game. Then, the halftime show before the third-round sports game. Then, a sponsored intermission precedes the fourth-round retro game, which leads to the final winner’s selection.

For more information, please visit www.globalgamingleague. com and/or connect via social media @globalgamingleague.

The Cutting Room Floor', Podcaster,Assistant Gig

by Kandiss Edwards

October 31, 2025

New Report: In-Office Work Carries Steep Price Tag

Making money costs money—especially if you head to the office.

A new report by Owl Labs shows that workers returning to the office are spending more.

Daily costs average about $55 per day for hybrid or in-office employees, compared with about $18 for remote workers, according to the 2025 State of Hybrid Work report.

The breakdown by Owl Labs shows the average in-office daily cost at nearly $15 for commuting, $18 for lunch, $13 for coffee or breakfast, and $9 for parking—totaling $55. The figures are slightly lower than $61 in 2024; it was $51 in 2023.

Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, said, “As companies plan 2026 budgets and RTO policies, balancing in-office expectations with cost support will be key to keeping employees engaged and loyal.”

He added that 92% of workers said the right incentives could convince them to return; one-third cited commuting or parking coverage, and another third listed free food and drinks.

The shift to increased office presence is being rolled out by major tech firms, including Amazon, Dell, Apple, Google, IBM, and Meta, many of which require employees to be on-site three to five days per week.

Labor economists say the hidden costs of commuting and in-office attendance can chip away at take-home pay and dampen worker morale.

Linda Chen, a retail and employment economist at the University of Texas, told Fast Company, “Even a long-standing brand can be vulnerable when costs rise and workers migrate out of cities or remote work becomes an expectation that companies can no longer ignore.”

As firms continue to implement return-to-office mandates for 2026, the financial impact of commuting and in-office costs may become a major factor in recruitment and retention. For workers, the message is clear: returning to the workspace now comes with a price tag—one many may be unwilling or unable to pay.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 31, 2025

Cam’ron Sues J. Cole For Allegedly Reneging On Recording A Song Together

J.Cole also blew off appearing on 'It Is What It Is'

Podcast host and rapper Cam’ron has filed a lawsuit against fellow recording artist J. Cole, accusing the North Carolina rapper of not holding up to an agreement in exchange for the Harlem rapper dropping a verse on a 2024 project that J. Cole released.

According to Billboard, the “Horse and Carriage” lyricist appeared on a collaborative song, “Ready ’24,” with the Dreamsville artist after both parties agreed that Cole would do a guest verse on a Cam’ron record or appear on the rapper’s popular podcast, “It Is What It Is.” Since Cole has reportedly not held up his end of the agreement, Cam’ron has taken steps to be compensated for his contribution to the song that appeared on his “Might Delete Later” mixtape.

In court documents viewed by the publication, the Harlem native said he and Cole recorded the song in June 2022. Cam’ron stated that he presented Cole with tracks he had already recorded in September, but the “Born Sinner” rapper insisted that the duo record an entirely new song together. However, the pair never connected to collaborate on a recording.

When Cam’ron reached back out to Cole in July 2023 about him appearing on the podcast, he alleges Cole agreed to record the show at a later date. Yet, Cole still had not shown up to appear on “It Is What It Is.” After staying in contact with Cole before the mixtape was released in 2024, Cam’ron alleges that Cole kept telling him that he was too busy to appear on the podcast.

The Harlem rapper states that he has never received any compensation for the song and, while naming Universal Music Group (UMG) in the lawsuit, says he is seeking royalties and profits totaling around $500,000 from Cole and the label.

Over the summer, Cam’ron revealed that he is penning a memoir for publishing outlet Simon & Schuster. He reportedly received $750,000 to write the book, and it will feature his take on and story of his time in the music and entertainment industry.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 31, 2025

FAMU Says ‘No Change’ In Sight As AD Still On Paid Leave Following Legal Woes

Another post from an alum feel Suggs should be given another chance in effort to stop having the athletic department in continuous limbo and if she were a white man, she would be back to work.

A spokesperson from Florida A&M University said there is “no change” regarding Florida A&M University (FAMU) Vice President and Athletics Director Angela Suggs still receiving paychecks after being arrested on fraud and theft charges, Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Suggs turned herself in back in September 2025 due to the charges stemming from her previous gig at the Florida Sports Foundation. Since being on leave since June, the FAMU athletic director hasn’t stopped receiving a paycheck for her annual salary of $250,000. Suggs’ criminal case was resolved as a result of a deal with prosecutors to drop the charges in 2028 if she met a list of demands, such as completing a gambling addiction course.

The announcement comes as an insider information blog, Rattler Nation, made claims that a member of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ inner circle — John Davis — is being eyed for the permanent position. Rumor has it that John Davis, the current Republican secretary of the Florida Lottery, may be named as the HBCU’s next permanent athletic director. Davis played for the Florida State University Seminoles but allegedly doesn’t have much experience in athletic administration.

If Davis is named the new athletic director, he would be the third in the role as President Marva Johnson appointed Michael Smith in place of Suggs while dealing with her legal battle. Eight months into her post, Suggs was accused of falsifying travel vouchers and stacking $24,000 worth of personal expenses on a work credit card after visiting numerous casinos on business trips while working for the Foundation.

The scandal is added to a long list of scrutiny housed at FAMU since the beginning of 2025, including suspicious donations and the controversial hiring of Johnson. Alumni and current students voiced concerns about Johnson being hired with a lack of an educational leadership background and ties to DeSantis. With other candidates holding impressive resumes — some from other HBCUs — Johnson was hired despite criticism.

There was backlash on social media of the rumors surrounding Davis being hired, as he has faced accusations similar to Suggs. Davis was questioned by the Florida House of Representatives committee over alleged misuse of state funds, including more than $50,000 in travel reimbursements between 2021 and 2024, according to Florida Politics.

Social media users accused the president of not having the school’s best interest at heart and not having the tenacity to stand up to the governor. “Marva has no backbone and refuses to stand up to DeSantis; she has proven time and time again she works for them and not for us,” one post read.

On Facebook, another post from a FAMU alum feels Suggs should be given another chance in effort to stop having the athletic department in continuous limbo, and if she were a white man, she would be back to work. “Marva should have reinstated Angela Suggs long ago. Suggs is a well-liked, experienced athletic administrator of the highest caliber, who made a minor mistake—one that was resolved legally, with restitution paid and public embarrassment endured. The failure to return her to her post has struck many observers as unduly punitive, particularly in contrast to the political appointment now underway,” the post read.

“If Angela were a white male,” one critic noted, “she would have been back in her job months ago, and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”