by Mary Spiller

October 26, 2025

Louisiana And Virginia Declare States Of Emergency To Keep SNAP Benefits Flowing During Federal Shutdown

That states have made it clear that only a state of emergency can keep SNAP going.

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, Louisiana and Virginia have both declared states of emergency to ensure that low-income residents continue to receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

According to the Louisiana Illuminator, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order on Oct. 24 directing $150 million in state funds to temporarily cover SNAP payments from November 1 to 4. The move followed a unanimous vote by the Louisiana House authorizing the use of state money to fill the gap while Congress remains at a stalemate.

“It’s a choice between using money that we have or people going hungry,” said Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry. “That’s why we have the fund balances that we have.”

Roughly 793,000 Louisianans—or 17% of the state’s population—depend on SNAP benefits each month. While Landry’s order covers only a few days, legislators hope to extend coverage if the shutdown continues.

“We are sending a clear message that the people of Louisiana are the priority,” said Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a similar emergency measure to safeguard benefits for about 850,000 residents. The state will tap into its $10 billion surplus to keep the program funded, at a cost of around $150 million a month.

“Benefits that support 850,000 Virginians who need food assistance—850,000 who are the least of these and demand the best of us,” Youngkin said. He emphasized that while the state can step in to assist with SNAP for now, “we can’t do it forever.”

Virginia’s program will remain funded through October, but the governor pledged to launch an unprecedented state-backed plan on November 1 if federal payments are not restored. “The entire objective is for those Virginians who receive these benefits to not see a moment’s gap or any interruption,” he said.

With Congress deadlocked over government spending and healthcare subsidies, the federal impasse has left millions uncertain about access to essential programs like SNAP.

“This is a shutdown of Republicans’ own making because they won’t fund the government unless they can rip healthcare away from millions of Americans,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Virginia Democrat.

Shaq, Shaquille O'neal, Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Gambling Scheme

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 26, 2025

Shaquille O’Neal’s $180K Custom Range Rover Allegedly Stolen In Shipping Scam

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the return of the vehicle.

Shaquille O’Neal’s custom-made Range Rover has been reported missing, and the car customization company has offered a reward for information leading to its return.

According to The New York Post, the luxury truck, which was customized for Shaq’s massive 7’1″ frame, was being shipped from Atlanta to Louisiana. Insiders think the information about the vehicle’s whereabouts may have been intercepted via a hack.

The brand-new car was being customized by Effortless Motors, which helped Shaq get his former teammate Kobe Bryant’s 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser fully restored as a gift to Bryant’s mother, Pam, earlier this summer.

The company has offered a $10,000 reward for the $180,000 vehicle. With the planned customizations, the car’s expected value would have increased to approximately $300,000.

The Range Rover was being transported Oct. 20. After trying to track down the all-black vehicle on the road, the company discovered it had gone missing en route to the intended destination.

“Effortless Motors was the authorized selling dealership and arranged transport through a third-party company that appeared fully verified,” the company said in a statement provided to TMZ. “Upon the vehicle’s scheduled delivery, it was discovered that the company’s internal systems had been compromised and hijacked, resulting in the car being unlawfully taken during transit.

“We take the security and trust of our clients very seriously. This was a highly coordinated criminal act targeting the transport company’s network. We are working closely with law enforcement and federal investigators to recover the vehicle and hold those responsible accountable.”

The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office (GA) said someone may have impersonated the shipping company, allowing them to take possession of the Range. An investigation is taking place to determine how this may have happened.

Pollman Tours, kenya,,Aliko Dangote,tourism

by Mary Spiller

October 26, 2025

Aliko Dangote First African to Join $30 Billion Club

Dangote is considered the richest Black man in the world.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has reached a new milestone in his financial empire. Dangote’s net worth climbed to $30 billion as of Oct. 23, a $2.16 billion gain since the start of the year, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index and Business Insider.

The index shows that Dangote’s wealth recently grew by another $430 million, pushing him over the coveted $30 billion threshold. Just a few weeks ago, his fortune stood at $29.6 billion, and as of yesterday, he was only $200 million short of reaching that figure.

The Nigerian businssman began his business journey with the Dangote Group, a small trading firm that imported sugar, salt, and other food products. In 1981, he expanded his ventures by founding Dangote Nigeria Limited and Blue Star Services, both specializing in the importation of rice, steel, and aluminum.

He later launched Dangote Cement, which today generates roughly $3.7 billion in annual revenue. His Dangote Sugar Refinery is among the largest sugar producers in Nigeria and across the continent.

Dangote’s latest financial surge coincides with the opening of a $160 million cement facility in Attingué, Côte d’Ivoire, located roughly 30 kilometers north of Abidjan.

The sprawling 50-hectare site boasts a production capacity of three million metric tonnes annually, making it one of Dangote Cement’s largest manufacturing plants outside of Nigeria.

The new facility expands Dangote Group’s cement production capacity across Africa to roughly 55 million tons per year, spread across 11 countries.

Beyond cement, Dangote’s business empire, reports suggest that within the next year, the company plans to list 5 to 10 percent of its shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.

The billionaire has also announced bold plans to expand his oil refining operations, aiming to double capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day. If realized, the Dangote Refinery would surpass the world’s largest refinery in Jamnagar, India, which processes 1.36 million barrels daily.

Founded in May 2023, the Dangote Oil Refinery began operations that October, initially producing around 370,000 barrels per day of diesel and jet fuel. Following its launch, Bloomberg ranked Dangote as the 81st richest person globally, with a net worth of $20.4 billion.

Despite periods of fluctuation—including a dip to $13 billion in mid-2024—Dangote has consistently bounced back. His wealth surged dramatically later that year, jumping from $13 billion to $27.8 billion by October.

By early 2025, Dangote’s net worth stabilized around $28 billion and has steadily increased since, fueled by growth across his cement and refining ventures.

by Mary Spiller

October 25, 2025

Target Attempts To Reaffirm Support for Black Entrepreneurs Amid DEI Boycott

Following backlash over its rollback of diversity initiatives, Target highlights its partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs to rebuild trust and reaffirm its investment in Black business owners.

Target is once again spotlighting its collaboration with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), a move that comes as the retailer faces backlash for scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

As reported by POCIT, the company’s renewed focus on its partnership with RICE — a program that provides Black small business owners with access to mentorship, education, and growth opportunities — arrives at a pivotal time. Target’s Oct. 20 press release emphasized its ongoing commitment to the initiative, which began in 2020 and was renewed in 2024.

The program’s cornerstone, the Retail Readiness Academy (RRA), offers a seven-month course designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the competitive retail industry. Participants gain business insights, strategies, and connections that can propel their ventures forward. In its latest phase, Target helped RICE expand its cohort and deepen engagement by offering mentorship and behind-the-scenes experiences at its stores.

Target also launched “HBCU, Always,” a documentary-style series celebrating historically Black college and university (HBCU) alumni and fostering ongoing professional networks with support from both RICE and Target.

However, the company’s renewed attention to its partnership comes amid significant public scrutiny. Earlier this year, Target ended its three-year DEI plan, including the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) program, which aimed to increase representation and retail opportunities for Black- and minority-owned brands. The decision drew criticism from many consumers and community leaders, as they folded under President Donald Trump’s federal pressure to phase out DEI initiatives.

In response, Pastor Jamal Bryant called for a 40-day boycott of Target starting March 4, following the company’s announcement of a DEI rollback. Foot traffic declined for nine consecutive weeks during the boycott, reflecting a steep drop in consumer engagement from Black shoppers.

The timing of Target’s push to promote its partnership with RICE suggests an attempt to mend strained relationships and reaffirm its dedication to economic empowerment within the Black community. With leadership changes following CEO Brian Cornell’s departure and declining sales, the company appears to be leaning on its long-standing community partnerships to regain trust.

By highlighting programs that support Black entrepreneurs, Target is seeking to demonstrate that its retreat from broad DEI goals does not mean a full withdrawal from equity-driven initiatives — even as it continues to face questions about the depth of its commitments.

by Mary Spiller

October 25, 2025

Police Report Says Veteran Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Has Dementia, Was Targeted In Home Scam

Police say suspects posing as HVAC workers defrauded the 88-year-old congresswoman of over $4,000.

Washington, D.C.’s longtime congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, was reportedly scammed out of thousands of dollars this week after individuals posing as HVAC home repair workers charged her credit card for unauthorized services, according to D.C. police.

Authorities confirmed that Norton, 88, lost more than $4,000 in the incident, as reported by Politico. A public police report stated that the fraudulent charges were made for services at Norton’s residence. The complaint was filed by Jacqueline Pelt, a longtime aide and close ally of Norton, who is listed in the report as living at the congresswoman’s home.

According to the report, Pelt “did not authorize any work to be performed” at the property and immediately canceled Norton’s credit cards after discovering the unauthorized charges. Outlets also obtained an internal police report describing how several individuals arrived at Norton’s home claiming to be HVAC workers.

That same internal report allegedly stated that Norton was in the “early stages of dementia” and that Pelt held power of attorney on her behalf. However, Politico has not independently verified those details.

Norton’s office pushed back on aspects of the report, stating that “the medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make.” The statement also clarified that Norton “does not have a caretaker,” but rather “a longtime employee and friend serves as the house manager, residing at a separate address.”

The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of Norton’s health and ability to serve, particularly as she plans to run for re-election next year. Her recent absence from public appearances — notably during President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington — has fueled speculation among some political observers.

Donna Brazile, a veteran Democratic strategist, recently called on Norton to retire, writing in an op-ed that it may be time for her to “pass the torch.” Meanwhile, two D.C. Council members, Brooke Pinto and Robert White, have announced their bids to challenge Norton in what could become her toughest re-election fight yet.

Campaign finance filings show that Norton’s fundraising has lagged behind her potential opponents, adding to concerns about the strength of her campaign as she continues to navigate public and personal challenges.

New Edition, Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, tour

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2025

New Edition Announces 2026 ‘New Edition Way Tour’ With Boyz II Men And Toni Braxton

The tour will land in 30 cities across the country.

The Black Promoters Collective has recently announced that ’80s boy group, New Edition, is headlining a new tour with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton joining them on the road.

The New Edition Way Tour, coming less than two months after the popular R&B group was celebrated in their hometown of Boston with a street renamed “New Edition Way,” will head to Oakland in January 2026.

Collectively, the members of New Edition have amassed multiple No. 1 singles, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Awards, and have sold over 50 million albums—solidifying their position as one of the most influential groups in music history.

All members of New Edition Way will be on the tour–Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Johnny Gill.

https://twitter.com/jxinfante69/status/1981864117003755791

The tour will land in 30 cities across the country, starting Jan. 29, 2026, with the first performance taking place at the Oakland Arena in California, rolling through New Edition’s hometown of Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, before ending in Houston on April 4, 2026, at the Toyota Center, ABC News reports.

“New Edition and Boyz II Men. We’ve never, all these years, never shared the stage together,” Johnny Gill says.

Fans and music lovers can purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster starting on Halloween, Oct. 31, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Tickets can also be bought at participating venue box offices.

Presales will take place from Oct. 27 through Oct. 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Presale Schedule:

● American Express Presale: Oct. 27

● New Edition Presale (Password: WAYTOUR26): Oct. 28

● Spotify Presale (Password: NE4LIFE): Oct. 29

● BPC (Password: BPC), Boyz II Men (Password: BIIMBLVD), and Venue Presales: Oct. 30

The New Edition Way Tour brings Boyz II Men, who were discovered by N.E. member Michael Bivins, to share the stage with New Edition for the first time.

“You’re seeing artists who’ve shaped the culture come together to celebrate music that continues to stand the test of time,” says Gary Guidry, CEO of the Black Promoters Collective, in a written statement.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2025

Donnell Whittenburg Sticks The Landing: Becomes First American To Win Gold On Still Rings At World Championships

He became the oldest American man to win a world title at 31 years and 61 days.

Gymnast Donnell Whittenburg won a gold medal on still rings, becoming the first American man to do so at the World Championships.

According to USA Gymnastics, the 31-year-old performed the feat Oct. 24 at the 2025 FIG Artistic World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. He also achieved another accomplishment. The gymnast became the oldest American man to win a world title by doing so at 31 years and 61 days. He surpassed a record held by Kurt Thomas, who won two gold medals at 23 years and 254 days old in 1979.

In his record-setting feat, Whittenburg won the title on rings with a 14.700 to win a World gold medal on the apparatus. He bested Adem Asil of Turkey, who came in second place with 14.566, and Xingyu Lan of China, whose 14.500 score placed him in third place. Whittenburg’s gold medal win on rings is his first Worlds win of his career, while making this his third World medal. The last time he won a medal was 10 years ago in 2015, when he took home a bronze medal on vault.

With the gold medal, he joins Brandon Wynn, who won a bronze medal in 2013, and Paul O’Neill, who brought the silver medal home in 1994, as the only Americans to have medaled on rings. He took over O’Neill’s place (28 years and 354 days) as the oldest U.S. medalist in World Championships history.

Whittenburg has a chance to bring another win home when he competes Oct. 25 on the parallel bars as the 2025 FIG Artistic World Championships ends in Jakarta.

Other American athletes who are bringing home medals include Leanne Wong, Patrick Hoopes, and Joscelyn Roberson. Wong won the silver medal for women’s all-around, while Hoopes took the bronze medal in the pommel horse, and Roberson is taking home her bronze medal in women’s vault.

NBC Sports reported that during his competition, he performed a move named after him, the “Whittenburg” dismount (a triple pike back somersault). This was named after him because he was the first gymnast to perform it internationally in 2017.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2025

LeBron James Building 2 Large Mansions On $37M Beverly Hills Estate

The Lakers superstar bought the property in 2020

After purchasing an estate for $37 million in 2020, Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James reportedly has plans to build two large mansions on the Beverly Hills property.

According to Realtor.com, when the future NBA Hall of Famer bought the property, he immediately had the estate razed to the ground, and recently received permission to split the 2.72-acre land into two plots. Each plot will have its own mansion.

Documents viewed by the media outlet revealed that one of the homes will span close to 16,000 square feet across two stories, including a 7,700-square-foot basement garage. That house will also have a two-level garage built on the ground level. A pool and a spa will be set in the backyard. There will be an outdoor kitchen, and the roof will have solar panels.

The second home, which will be a tad smaller, will be a 6,550-square-foot single-story house with a basement movie theater, an entertaining area, and a ground-level two-car garage. A terrace will be included, equipped with hot and cold plunge pools, and a spacious courtyard with multiple palm trees already planted.

When James bought the property, it was a four-bedroom estate built in the 1930s. Construction of the compound began in 2023, following the securing of planning permission for the ornate dwellings.

Original reports were that it would be the primary residence for James and his immediate family (his wife, Savannah, and three children, Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri). Now, it’s speculated that the second home may be for his Lakers teammate and first son, Bronny.

James will break another record when he steps back on the court this season (he’s currently injured), as he’s tied with former NBA player Vince Carter for playing 22 seasons in the league. When he returns, he will be the first player in NBA history to play for 23 seasons.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season,” he said. “However, the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”

Zohran Mamdani,Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, NYC mayor, endorsemnt

by Mary Spiller

October 25, 2025

Hakeem Jeffries Endorses Zohran Mamdani For NYC Mayor

After months of speculation, the House Democratic leader throws his support behind Mamdani, urging the party to unite against Trump’s influence.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents New York’s 8th congressional district, has endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, marking a pivotal moment in a race that has divided Democrats and tested party unity.

Jeffries, one of the city’s most influential Black political figures, has often been critical of the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Mamdani is a member. Yet in a statement to The New York Times, Jeffries said that while the two have “areas of principled disagreement,” Mamdani earned his place as the nominee through a “free and fair” primary.

“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said.

“In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

The endorsement, announced just before early voting begins, follows weeks of internal debate. Sources close to Jeffries said he delayed his decision due to the ongoing government shutdown. His backing represents another major win for Mamdani, who has recently secured endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

For Jeffries, the decision balances competing pressures from within his party. Some Democrats view Mamdani’s rise as proof that progressive energy can carry elections, while others worry his policies will become fodder for Republican attacks in the upcoming midterms.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman, welcomed the endorsement as validation of his campaign’s mission “to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas.”

Jeffries’s decision also undercuts former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as a third-party candidate after losing the Democratic primary. Cuomo’s team reportedly tried to persuade Jeffries to withhold his endorsement, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

In recent weeks, Mamdani has sought to moderate his image, apologizing for past remarks about the police and clarifying his stance on Israel. He also pledged to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected — a move Jeffries praised as “the approach that this moment requires.”

“Assemblyman Mamdani has promised to focus on keeping every New Yorker safe, including the Jewish community that has confronted a startling rise in antisemitic incidents as well as Black and Latino neighborhoods that have battled deadly gun violence for years,” Jeffries said.

With polls showing Mamdani leading as Election Day nears, Jeffries’s endorsement may signal a broader shift: a Democratic establishment willing, at least for now, to embrace the party’s left wing in the name of unity.

However, Mamdani’s popularity has sparked adversity.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that he plans to endorse Cuomo in the city’s mayoral race, marking a surprising reconciliation after months of public hostility.

Adams, who ended his own re-election bid last month, had previously called Cuomo “a snake and a liar” for urging him to withdraw. The two appeared to have patched things up on Oct. 22, sitting courtside together at the Knicks’ season opener.

Adams reveals that he intends to campaign with Cuomo in his strongest neighborhoods to help the former governor counter Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani’s growing momentum.

Michael Jordan, lawsuit, NASCAR, antitrust

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2025

Michael Jordan’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against NASCAR Heads to Court After Failed Mediation

Jordan's team, 23XI Racing, sued NASCAR and CEO Jim France, claiming that NASCAR used anticompetitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.

After a failed attempt at mediation, Michael Jordan’s antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR is heading to court, the Associated Press reports.

23XI Racing, co-owned by the NBA legend and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, along with Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, sued NASCAR and CEO Jim France, claiming the racing organization used anticompetitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.

Both owners were the only two of 15 organizations to decline to sign extensions to new charter agreements following more than two years of negotiations.

“Today’s hearing confirmed the facts of NASCAR’s monopolistic practices and showed NASCAR for who they are—retaliatory bullies who would rather focus on personal attacks and distract from the facts,” said Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. “My clients have never been more united and committed to ensuring a fair and competitive sport for all teams, partners, drivers, and fans. We’re going to trial to hold NASCAR accountable.”

Both teams take issue with NASCAR controlling all aspects of the business, including buying the racetracks that host its races and allegedly requiring teams to purchase supplies from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR. Another point of contention is not allowing teams to participate in other stock car races.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell and Jeffrey Mishkin, a former executive vice president and chief legal officer of the NBA, led the mediation, which took place Oct. 20 and 21.

The sessions focused on NASCAR’s bid to narrow the scope of damages the two teams say they are owed. The league accused 23XI and FRM of manipulating the other teams and conducting themselves with “classic cartel behavior, ultimately because they received less than they would have,” under the charter extensions signed last year.

According to the AP, “Jordan multiple times laughed and smiled at NASCAR’s claims, and at one point Hamlin and Jenkins vehemently shook their heads at NASCAR’s assertion that it pays its teams a higher percentage of revenue than F1 does to its teams.”

The original charters, signed by the teams from 2016 through 2020, were renewed to continue through Dec. 31, 2024.

23XI and FRM initially won a preliminary injunction recognizing them as chartered teams this season. That ruling was overturned, and the combined six cars have been racing as “open” this season.

Both sides are back in court Dec. 1, exactly one month after the NASCAR season concludes.