Diddy, Fort Dix, Thanksgiving dinner
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 27, 2025

Diddy’s Prison Exit: Release Date Is Officially Set

The Bureau of Prisons released the exact date he is expected to finish his term

The Bureau of Prisons recently revealed the expected release date for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ prison term.

The entertainment mogul, serving a 50-month sentence after being convicted of violating the Mann Act, will be released on May 8, 2028. Complex Magazine retrieved the information through online records.

The calculation from the Bureau of Prisons may have taken into account Diddy’s incarceration since September 2024, after he was arrested and accused of sex trafficking, operating a criminal enterprise, and transporting to engage in prostitution. Federal rules mandate that, if he meets certain qualifications, he can serve just 85% of his prison sentence.

The news about his release date comes after TMZ reported the conditions the controversial entertainment mogul will be required to follow upon completing his prison sentence. The “No Way Out” producer will have five years of supervised probation. He will also be subjected to searches and cannot contact any of the victims who testified against him in his trial.

Diddy must enroll in an outpatient treatment program for drug abuse and mental health issues, which would include being required to take medicine prescribed to him, unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider. He must also be enrolled and participate in an approved program for domestic violence.

The convicted felon will not be able to own, possess, or have any access to firearms or other destructive devices.

Diddy still has not been assigned to his next home for the next several years. Judge Arun Subramanian said he should be imprisoned as close as possible to the New York City Metropolitan area. The disgraced producer’s attorneys requested that he serve his sentence in New Jersey at FCI Fort Dix, which has an acclaimed drug treatment program. Since that is not a decision he can make, Judge Subramanian says the Bureau of Prisons will determine the prison where he will serve his time.

RELATED CONTENT: BREAKING: Judge Sentences Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To 50 Months In Federal Prison

SNAP, Trump, reapply
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 27, 2025

USDA Blames Democrats For SNAP Benefit Pause With Cryptic Website Message, ‘The Well Has Run Dry’

Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called the SNAP benefit pause a "disgusting dereliction of duty that the Trump administration would knowingly rip food out of the mouths of 42 million children, seniors and veterans."

Joining the Democratic Party blame game, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) posted a message on its website blaming Democrats for the upcoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits pause, taking effect Nov. 1, NBC News reports. 

The lengthy message was seen Oct. 25, as the 2025 government shutdown enters its fifth week amid the ongoing battle between the parties over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Like other agencies run by the Trump administration, the blame should be placed on the Democratic Party, as SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, will affect millions of Americans. 

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times not to fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the message reads. 

“At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

Meanwhile, Democrats are rallying around those affected and pushing for the shutdown to end. Democratic Congress nominee for Arkansas’ 2nd District, Chris Jones, highlighted how families living in rural America will suffer without the benefits. “The USDA says there will be no federal food assistance starting Saturday, Nov. 1, unless Congress funds it. This is what French Hill won’t fund. Here in Arkansas, this will hurt over 222,000 people in 118,000 households,” he wrote on X. 

“These are our neighbors. These are our kids.”

Several states have warned residents that funding for November SNAP benefits could run out amid the shutdown. 

According to The Hill, benefits administration duties are shared between the states and the federal government. Funding is given to the states each month, with close to $8 billion due in November. 

After the agency claimed that contingency funds can be used only to respond to specific events, like natural disasters, Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), pushed back. “It is a disgusting dereliction of duty that the Trump administration would knowingly rip food out of the mouths of 42 million children, seniors, and veterans,” he said in a statement. 

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly joined in the sentiments from USDA, oddly speaking on alleged illegal immigrants. “Senate Democrats have shamefully played politics with our nation’s most vulnerable families to push healthcare for illegal immigrants,” she said. “They should reopen the government now to protect these crucial benefits that feed one in eight American citizens.”

Since the start of the shutdown, Trump-led agencies have used federal websites to shift the blame to Democrats, starting with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Some blue-sided leaders, like Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, accused the administration of violating the Hatch Act, which bans federal employees from using their official platforms to interfere with elections, over the website postings.

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Jamaica, travel, violent crimes, Jamaican restaurant
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 27, 2025

Hurricane Melissa Expected To Hit Jamaica As Category 5 Storm

The Category 5 storm is expected to hit the island Oct. 27

Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, as weather forecasts predict the Category 5 storm will hit the island Oct. 27.

According to the Jamaica Observer, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a bulletin warning that the center of the deadly hurricane is located 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, or 104 miles south of Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth. Hurricane Melissa, which has had sustained winds increased to nearly 160 mph (miles per hour), is expected Oct. 27 and will be followed by a northeastward acceleration Oct. 28. The core of of the storm is expected to move near or over Jamaica on the night of Oct. 27 or the following day, Oct. 28. The volatile storm is anticipated to hit landfall on southwestern Jamaica as a major hurricane early Oct. 28.

Rainfall is expected to reach 15-30 inches in parts of Jamaica over the next several days. Weather authorities are predicting catastrophic flash floods and landslides.

According to The Associated Press, Category 5 is the highest level for a hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale (According to the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center, “Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”). Sustained winds typically exceed 157 mph. This forecast is for the strongest hurricane in recent history, expected to directly hit the small island.

Hurricane Melissa has already had casualties, as the storm has killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic. Another person is missing.

“I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously,” said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council. “Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.”

Updates can be seen here online.

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farmers, Black, North Carolina, food, eat, clean, habits, budget, organic, Whole Foods, CDFI
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 27, 2025

Atlanta Public Schools Comes Through With Free Groceries for Families Losing SNAP Funding

The measure will assist students and their families as SNAP's imminent shut down sparks food insecurity.

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is making sure its families don’t go hungry with the looming loss of SNAP funding by relaunching its monthly food distribution program.

It will take place on the last Monday of each month, starting this Monday, Oct. 27. All participants receive free groceries. Families that are part of the school system’s community can drive up to APS Family & Student Support HUB to get their supplies.

APS partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to provide the food, particularly for students and their families. The participants can come between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to get free groceries until bags run out. Run by community volunteers, the initiative returns as the government shutdown leaves food assistance programs on the brink of temporary closure.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expects to run out of funding by Nov. 1. The shutdown has left no money allocated for SNAP.

This news has left many Americans vulnerable to deeper food insecurity. The program currently supports around 12% of the entire U.S. population. Now, local initiatives have been tasked with keeping families fed.

APS intend to keep the food distribution program going throughout the school year. According to U.S. News & World Report the school system has approximately 50,000 students enrolled in 50 elementary, 15 middle, and 21 high schools in addition to four single-gender academies and 13 charter schools.

According to Capital B News, the school system had approximately 72.2% Black students in 2022.

In the meantime, congressional lawmakers remain at a stalemate as the shutdown expects to reach a month, experts suggest Americans should prepare to wait, according to the Washington Post.

RELATED CONTENT: Able-Bodied Adults Beware Of New Requirements To Receive SNAP Benefits In Wake Of Trump Bill

armed forces, desegregate, integrate, 75 years, White House
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 27, 2025

Scott Bessent Warns Military Families May Face November 15 Pay Disruption

President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to use untouched research and development funds to cover military paychecks but officials highlighted the move as a temporary fix.

While the Trump administration promised military members would be paid despite funding discrepancies, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Nov. 15 paychecks may be missed if the government shutdown carries on, CBS News reported. 

“I think we’lll be able to pay them beginning in November, but by Nov. 15 our troops and service members who are willing to risk their lives aren’t going to be able to get paid,” Bessent said on an interview with Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.

Shortly after the shutdown began, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to use untouched research and development funds—roughly $8 billion from the previous fiscal year—to cover mid-month paychecks. However, officials highlighted the move as a temporary fix as funds will run out to pay members of the military if the shutdown continues. 

The Trump appointee didn’t waste time blaming the Democratic Party for the shutdown, heading into 30 days, calling it a “Democrat-led boycott.” He specifically called out Senate Majority and Minority leaders, Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY(.

“What’s changed between now and March other than Chuck Schumer’s poll numbers, and I think Hakeem Jeffries is going to be primary from the left, and I didn’t think there was a lot of room over there,” Bessent said. “So both of them are worried about their primaries and not the American people, not the government employees, not our military employees.”

After blaming their Democratic colleagues for disagreeing on the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, Republicans accused them of pushing for a pay hiatus for military personnel, according to The Hill, highlighting the lack of seven Senate votes to pass a funding bill sponsored by House Speaker Sen. Mike Johnson (R-LA).

“HR 5371 (the Continuing Resolution) is the bill to pay our troops,” Johnson wrote on X. “No one in the military or any military family should have their pay blocked on October 15!” 

Senate Democrats blocked the bill during an Oct. 23 vote to pay active-duty members of the military and other essential federal employees furloughed by the government shutdown. Meanwhile, Trump announced that an unidentified friend had donated $130 million to the Defense Department to help pay service members who had missed paychecks, calling the donor “a great gentleman.”

The gesture was met with backlash from social media users who wondered if there are people who can donate that amount of cash to the military, maybe they can assist with the healthcare bailout.

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WNBA, Angel Reese, reese's puffs, cereal
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 27, 2025

Angel Reese ‘Charm City’ Reeboks Sell Out Again As Athlete Becomes ‘Fashion Icon’

The city of Baltimore is the inspiration for the sneaker

She shoots, she scores. Angel Reese’s latest collaboration with Reebok has already been a hit, with the new “Charm City” sneakers selling out on their first day.

The self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie” is already a trendsetter for her looks off the court. Her first sneaker for Reebok, The Angel Reese 1, is the Chicago Sky player’s signature shoe, but fans keep taking it out of stock.

After months of initial hype, the sneakers’ first set of colorways debuted in September. That collection sold out in just minutes, while leaving fans hungry for more from the fashion icon-meets-athlete.

The “Charm City” special-edition sneaker was also released Oct. 24, to the same anticipation. The shoe paid homage to her Baltimore roots, with its “Unapologetic” purple-and-black design similar to the city’s NFL team, the Ravens.

“This one’s for Charm City, to honor my roots and the community of Baltimore that has backed me from day one,” said Reese of the shoe’s release, per Sports Illustrated. “This city gave me my grit and made me who I am today.”

The sneakers, which went for $120 a pair, sold out of all sizes within the day. Reese confirmed the news on X while she celebrated the business win.

The success of the line, especially for a woman’s basketball sneaker, has already solidified Reese as a fashionista. The 23-year-old power forward agreed with the sentiment. She referred to herself as a “fashion icon” while she reflected on all her diverse accomplishments.

“Hooper. Model. Fashion Icon. Actress. Podcaster. Entrepreneur. Business Owner. Home Owner,” noted the 6-foot-3 sports star.
“All at 23. But, GOD.”

With many pursuits outside the court, including modeling for Victoria’s Secret, hosting a podcast, and a blooming business empire, Reese also feels unstoppable. While her day job has left her with more desires from her WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, Reese continues to build her own brand beyond basketball.

For fans still looking to snag a pair, select sizes are still available at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese Will Receive Wings And Walk In Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Andrew Young, daughter, Atlanta
by Kandiss Edwards

October 27, 2025

Andrew Young Talks Malcolm, Martin, And Doing ‘The Dirty Work’

The civil rights icon visited The Breakfast Club to promote his new documentary 'Andrew Young: The Dirty Work.'

Civil rights icon Andrew Young is opening up about the rumored feud between Malcolm X and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 

On Oct. 23, Young visited “The Breakfast Club” to promote his new documentary “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work.” While there, Young offered his candid perspective on the relationship between Dr. King and Malcolm X, dismissing the popular narrative that pitted the two men against each other. Instead, he explained that the men had a healthy mutual respect, which was minimized publicly as a strategic move. 

“You know, there was no issue,” Young said. “The difference was that Martin Luther King learned in college, Malcolm X learned in jail, but Malcolm X read the dictionary and the Bible.”

Young’s reflection turns on a specific moment in Harlem after King’s Nobel Prize recognition. He recalled that when King entered through a back door at an armory event, he was greeted by Malcolm X and then-New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. 

“Malcolm X said, ‘I just wanted to thank you for all that you’ve done. And I want you to know that I am with you in anything you want me to do,’” Young shared.

He added that Malcolm then explained his reluctance to appear publicly with King: “But I think that it’s probably better strategy if you and I don’t seem to be so close,” Young quoted. 

Young credited differing trajectories rather than adversarial intent for their leadership styles. 

“Malcolm was playing his lane…publicly but privately he respected Dr. King,” Young said 

He noted that the so-called Black Power movement drew energy from proximity to King’s visibility: “A lot of this black power movement came out of standing right next to Dr. King walking in the South…That’s where it started,” according to Young.

He said King supported other groups that were not fully aligned with the nonviolent movement. From behind the scenes, He also noted that while “leaders at some point criticize Dr. King,” they did so “respectfully.” 

Young’s remarks arrive alongside renewed interest in civil rights. He said his own efforts—including the forthcoming documentary “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work” are meant to shed light on the foundations of the movement. The Civil Rights Movement was more than just a charismatic leader and coordinated marches. Young and others were part of the less glamorous aspects of coordination and organization. Young’s firsthand testimony adds fresh nuance to the story of a legendary movement, two legendary figures, and all those who are unsung.

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Shaq, Shaquille O'neal, Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Gambling Scheme
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 27, 2025

Shaquille O’Neal ‘Ashamed’ Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier Allegedly Involved In Gambling Scheme

'I'm ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy,' Shaq said.

Shaquille O’Neal expressed disappointment in Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, both arrested in a federal gambling investigation, and also criticized fellow players who risk their careers with alleged illegal betting activities.

As the new NBA season got underway, news of the arrests prompted the sports world to weigh in on the accusations, and Shaq did not hold back when discussing the situation. While on air with fellow co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, the former center said that he has been involved in legal gambling by playing craps and roulette while in Las Vegas. But he was not gambling outside of the casinos.

“We all know the letter of the law when it comes to gambling and sports gambling, and I don’t want to sit up here like I’m some perfect guy,” O’Neal stated. “Every now and then, when I go to Vegas, I’ll play some craps and I’ll play some roulette but I never gambled at anyone’s house. Don’t know anything about poker.”

Shaq went on to say that although he knows Billups and used to play with former NBA player Damon Jones, who was also picked up for being involved in the gambling scheme, he did not understand why they would risk it all by putting their families and careers in jeopardy.

“I know Chauncey, I know Damon very well—I played with Damon—but I’m ashamed that those guys would put their families and their careers in jeopardy.”

“There’s an old saying in the hood: all money ain’t good money. So if you’re making $9 million dollars, how much more do you need?”

Billups is alleged to have participated in “rigged” poker games that took place in Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons, according to officials. The games were attended by members of at least three of New York’s mafia families.

Authorities say Billups and Damon Jones, a former NBA player, were paid for their participation, with Jones requesting a partial prepayment of $2,500 before attending one of the poker games. Jones was also arrested.

Rozier, who was cleared by the league of gambling accusations, was accused of sharing information about players on a team’s roster with bettors before games were played.

The NBA has suspended both Billups and Rozier.

RELATED CONTENT: Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers’ Head Coach Chauncey Billups Arrested After Gambling Investigation

Rihanna, Eminem, Monster
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 27, 2025

Rihanna, Eminem Score A Billion Views On 2013 Collaborative Song, ‘Monster’

It's the second time the duo hit that number; 2010's 'Love the Way You Lie,' was the first song that hit one billion views.

Songstress Rihanna and rapper Eminem have created another “Monster.” YouTube announced that the duo’s second collaborative hit has reached a billion views.

According to Billboard, after releasing the song and video for “The Monster” over 10 years ago in 2013, the pair reached over a billion views. The song appeared on the rapper’s “The Marshall Mathers LP2.” The record was a No. 1 hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks after its release.

That was not the first time that Rihanna and Eminem struck that magic number as a duo on YouTube. “Love the Way You Lie,” which appeared on Eminem’s 2010 album “Recovery,” reached that milestone and currently has over 3 billion views.

The Bajan beauty has 12 songs that have been seen over a billion times on the video platform. Slim Shady has nine videos that have eclipsed the billion mark.

Although Rihanna has been spending her time in the boardroom as an executive for her Fenty brand, music lovers are still listening to her songs, despite her not releasing an album in nearly 10 years. Hot97 recently reported that the “Umbrella” singer is the top Black female artist on Spotify, with over 101 million monthly listeners.

In a recent social media post, the singer thanked her fans for being with her since she left Barbados to embark on her musical journey.

“20 years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music! So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the way. I’m forever grateful to all of you. Each of you played a very crucial role in where this journey has taken me thus far! I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you! Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever!”

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ICE, lightfoot, Chicago
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 26, 2025

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Wants To ‘Unmask’ ICE

Lightfoot and a group of attorneys have put together a nonprofit organization named 'The ICE Accountability Project.'

To combat the alleged illegal actions of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the rounding up of immigrants in Chicago, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a group of attorneys have put together a nonprofit organization named “The ICE Accountability Project.”

According to Fox 32 Chicago, Lightfoot said that organization will serve as as a website and “central repository” to track moves made by ICE agents in their pursuit of people they claim are in the country illegally. The move has been made during the government’s planned “Operation Midway Blitz.”

“We want to create a centralized archive of all the purported criminal actions of ICE and CBP agents,” Lightfoot said. “We want to create a portal where what’s happening in real time can be centralized and put out for the public to view.”

The group plans to “unmask” unidentified agents working for ICE, but not reveal personal information such as names or identities. They will identify physical traits, clothing, and vehicles of the people involved in the alleged illegal actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said there has been a 1,000% increase in threats against federal agents.

“They are on public property out in the open,” she said. “We have an absolute right under our constitution to document what’s happening.”

After Lightfoot appeared on The Chicago Report, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a threat toward Lighthfoot.

“This is the first time I’ve seen the Lori Lightfoot video was just now on your show,” she stated while appearing on Fox News. “She will be getting a letter from us tomorrow to preserve anything she has done as well, to make sure that she’s not violating the law. It appears she is. You cannot disclose the identity of a federal agent—where they live, anything that could harm them.”

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