Whoopi Goldberg, NY Mayor, lawsuit, cannabis
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2025

Whoopi Goldberg Urges Congress To Forgo Pay Until Government Shutdown Ends

'Until this affects you the way it’s affecting your constituents, y’all are not going to settle this.'

Whoopi Goldberg is urging members of Congress to refuse their paychecks until the government shutdown is brought to an end.

During the Oct. 15 Hot Topics segment of The View, Goldberg and her co-hosts praised major media outlets for their almost unified refusal to sign the Pentagon’s new press coverage requirements. Goldberg said seeing both left- and right-leaning outlets reject the rules introduced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shows that “the press is recognizing they are stronger together.”

The move prompted Goldberg to take her stance a bit further by encouraging the House of Representatives and the Senate to opt out of their salaries as the government shutdown continues.

The EGOT winner’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the studio audience and the full agreement of her co-hosts.

“Because…until this affects you the way it’s affecting your constituents, y’all are not going to settle this. So as an American, I am asking that you not take a salary until you settle this,” she concluded.

As of Oct. 17, the U.S. government has been shut down for 17 days due to Congress’ failure to pass funding legislation for 2026. The shutdown has halted pay for roughly 2 million federal workers and furloughed another 750,000.

Public frustration continues to grow as lawmakers collect six-figure salaries ($174,000 for party leaders; $224,000 for the Speaker of the House) and face criticism for being paid while government operations remain stalled.

RELATED CONTENT: Journalists Return Badges, Exit Pentagon, In Refusal Of Agreeing To New Reporting Rules

study, bodyca, police, DOJ, study, Derek Chauvin, Body Cam Video
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 17, 2025

Judge Pushes For Chicago ICE Agents To Wear Body Cameras Amid ‘Concerning’ Clashes With Public

After ordering ICE agents to wear badges and not seeing it down, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said she is concerned on her orders not being followed.

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to roam the streets of Chicago, a federal judge is asking them to wear body cameras after seeing concerning videos floating on social media, Associated Press reports. 

Highlighting being a “little startled” by graphic videos of ICE agents battling residents on television and social media, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said she will require officers in the Chicago area to wear body cameras. Some of the confrontations include residents being chased, tackled, and attacked with tear gas amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. “I live in Chicago, if folks haven’t noticed,” Ellis said. 

“And I’m not blind, right?”

In addition to the body camera order, Ellis is calling for Chicago U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office Director Russell Hott, according to ABC 7 Chicago, to testify before the court in mid-October 2025 to discuss “Operation Midway Blitz”, resulting in over 1,000 arrests. “I am profoundly concerned with what has been happening over the last week since I entered this order,” Ellis said, pressing Hott to answer questions regarding how many agents are equipped and trained on when to activate body cams. 

Specific incidents are what caught Ellis’ eye, including federal agents pursuing and crashing into a vehicle on the Southeast Side. “There’s a reason that the Chicago Police Department has policies about car chases and where they occur, when they need to stop,” Ellis said. 

“We are in an urban, densely populated area where crowds are going to converge when there’s a commotion.”

Trump has insisted that Windy City residents are pleading with him for military and National Guard assistance amid claims of high crime due to an influx of illegal immigrants. “And the people of Chicago are walking around with MAGA hats. You have women, beautiful Black women walking around with MAGA hats,” he said during a speech from the White House. 

“Please let the President in and we don’t care how he does it. They’re not interested in the National Guard, or Army, Navy…bring ’em in. Bring in the Marines. They just want the crime to stop.” 

https://twitter.com/CalltoActivism/status/1978566016771780758

But moves from Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson say otherwise. Inciting “ICE Free Zones,” Johnson signed an executive order limiting federal immigration agents from staging enforcement actions in schools, libraries, parks, and various city-owned spaces. 

Homeland Security Attorney Sean Skedzieiewski pushed back on the judge’s claims, saying she doesn’t have all the facts straight and that she shouldn’t believe her own eyes, saying that some incident reports are inaccurate. He also added that not all the agents have been instructed to use their body cameras in some areas, like the Chicago Area of Responsibility. 

To help rectify the situation, Ellis believes cameras would provide evidence to support how agents are handling confrontations with protesters and alleged immigrants. Just days before her body camera order, she mandated that agents must wear badges and banned them from using specific riot control techniques against peaceful protesters and journalists, but she noticed some orders aren’t being adhered to. “I’m having concerns about my order being followed,” the judge said.

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Mayor Signs ‘ICE Free Zones’ Legislation Amid Threats Of Raids, Leaving White House Upset 

DMX, Billboard, rligious
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2025

DMX’s Uncle Says Associates and Friends Neglected To Help Pay For Rapper’s Funeral

DMX's uncle, Uncle Ray said, 'Everybody put out statements, hashtags, and tributes. But when it came time to actually do something… silence.'

Details have recently emerged revealing that the rapper’s associates did not cover the funeral costs for Yonkers recording artist DMX but were instead paid through the efforts of DMX’s longtime manager and uncle, Ray Copeland, known in the industry as Uncle Ray.

In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Uncle Ray stated that when it came time to pay funeral costs, none of the bigger artists who claimed to be friends, nor the labels (Def Jam, Ruff Ryders), reached into their pockets to contribute. He said he had to get it from friends who were able to put up $150,000 to organize the rapper’s service in 2021.

“When it was time to bury X, I was on the phone with everybody, Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, Steve Rifkind, Def Jam,” Uncle Ray told the media outlet. “I told them what it was going to cost. Everybody said, ‘I ain’t got it.’ So I hung up the phone and said, ‘Forget it. I’ll put this together myself.’”

The service was held at the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. He credited business associate Germaine Miller and attorney Ron Sweeney for the money to pay for the beloved rapper’s homegoing celebration.

“If it were not for Germaine Miller, I would have never buried my nephew financially. She put all the money up for the funeral –- all $150,000,” Copeland stated in a text message.

He did admit that Def Jam later came through and gave him $35,000, but they informed the media that they paid for the funeral. He then stated that Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) “took care of everything at the Barclays Center.”

Uncle Ray said he initially was going to have a private funeral in Bronxville, New York, before family members convinced him that the public needed to say goodbye to the It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot lyricist.

“I almost did it right there in Bronxville,” Uncle Ray said. “I had all the family together. But they told me, ‘Ray, you can’t do that. The public needs to say goodbye.’ So I finished it out.”

He expressed disappointment in so-called friends and business associates for not coming through when the family needed them.

“Everybody put out statements, hashtags, and tributes,” he said. “But when it came time to actually do something… silence.”

The 50-year-old DMX died April 9, 2021, at White Plains Hospital in New York, a week after suffering a heart attack.

RELATED CONTENT: D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and Three-Time Grammy Winner, Dies at 51

XCEL SUMMIT for men, HONOREES, Troy taylor
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 17, 2025

Troy Taylor, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. And Rev. Dr. Frankly Richardson Want The Black Community To Lean In

This annual gathering is designed to celebrate, equip, and connect Black men.

The 2025 XCEL Summit for Men has kicked off with its empowering three-day experience powered by BLACK ENTERPRISE. This annual gathering is designed to celebrate, equip, and connect Black men who are shaping culture, business, and community. It’s going down October 15–17 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. 

The XCEL Summit is centered around the theme “Made for Men. Built for Impact.” It features thought-provoking panels, professional development workshops, and candid conversations on leadership, wealth, mental wellness, and purpose. Attendees will gain tools to advance their careers, grow their influence, and build a generational legacy.

Check out these highlights from the XCEL Awards Gala, where Troy Taylor, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., and Rev. Dr. W. Frankly Richardson shared powerful statements and impactful messages for Black men and the community abroad: 

Troy Taylor

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.

Rev. Dr. W. Frankly Richardson

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Reasons You Should Attend BLACK ENTERPRISE’s XCEL Summit For Men

Caribbean, Trump Administration. Marco. Rubio, travel ban, Antigua,, Barbados, cuba,, Dominica, St. Lucia
by Jameelah Mullen

October 17, 2025

Black Woman Turns $50 Into A Tropical Sanctuary

The homesteader shares her expat journey on TikTok and Instagram.

As many search for ways to connect with nature and live more sustainably, one TikToker is showing her followers that living off-the-grid is not only possible but affordable. 

Daja Hansel-Coates, who goes by the username @ihopeyoufindserenity on social media, relocated to southwestern Costa Rica 3 years ago with the plan to build a tropical sanctuary for herself. 

“In 2022, I did something that most people would consider completely crazy. I started living alone in an off-grid property that I purchased in rural Costa Rica,“ the digital creator said in a TikTok video, noting that she only had $50 to start the project. 

@ihopeyoufindserenity

My story and imperfect journey to off-grid living. Link to my GoFundMe is in my bio 💚

♬ sonido original – ihopeyoufindserenity

Through various photos and videos, followers can see the structure evolve from a basic frame to a fully functional cabin, primarily built with assistance from volunteers. On the property, there’s a farm where Coates grows food and cares for animals.

Besides sharing her journey with over 200,000 followers, Coates hosts “Inner-Child Healing and Liberated Daughter retreats” where guests can experience a lifestyle that features locally sourced foods and eco-friendly materials. 

“I’m proud of all the things I’ve been able to do in the last 3 years, especially all of the people I’ve hosted and held in the space,” Coates captioned a TikTok video. 

The influencer, who partly supports herself by teaching English to residents, notes that living as an expat in Costa Rica has its downsides. She has experienced racist microaggressions in her adopted hometown. 

Additionally, tropical storms have battered the cabin, and termites have destroyed some of the cabin’s wooden beams. The soon-to-be mother recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with repairs, which will enable her to continue hosting retreats and gatherings that promote emotional healing.  

“My Inner Child Healing Retreats offer a nurturing space to explore deep emotional healing through play, rest, guided practices, and nature immersion,” the social media influencer writes on her website. 

Visit the website to learn more about Find Serenity retreats or how you can support rebuilding efforts. 

 

RELATED CONTENT: Camp Yoshi Is The Black-Owned Outdoor Travel Group Where ‘Luxury Meets the Land’

makeup, cosmetic, environmental, toxic, beauty products, e.l.f. Beauty
by Ahsan Washington

October 17, 2025

Shout Out To The Black Estheticians Who Keep Melanated Skin Glowing 

National Esthetician Day rolls around every October.

Each October, on National Esthetician Day, there’s an opportunity to amplify the work of those in the skincare industry who are tasked with developing and nurturing glowing Black complexions. These practitioners go hard to ensure that Black skin is Beautiful. According to a 2021 McKinsey report, Black beauty consumers spent a whopping $6.6 billion on beauty products and services, but Black estheticians make up a mere 5.1% of the market. 

In a field that often sidelines Black practitioners, these seven professionals bring their knowledge, advocacy, and community-focused care to the table.

Kendra Hall

Kendra Hall, a medical esthetician and laser practitioner, founded Kendra J Advanced Aesthetics in Atlanta. She delivers cutting‑edge resurfacing procedures, bespoke facials, and laser services that are specifically calibrated for melanated skin. With a nearly decade-long career, Hall has secured a place on the 2024-25 listings of estheticians worth following. Her focus is on representation, championing the needs of clients with skin tones who are all too underserved.

Bridgette Black

Bridgette Black, an esthetician who is the mind behind BLACK Esthetics & Artistry, a New York facial studio. Clients can indulge in makeup applications, skincare regimens, and crafted brow services while tapping into a series dubbed “Beauty Bag ReBoot.” The brand remains fully operational, complete with a website that actively fields bookings. Black launched the venture with a purpose: to celebrate beauty across every skin tone and to forge a haven where patrons feel genuinely seen and supported throughout their skincare journeys.

Yolanda Robinson

An esthetician and founder of EstiBlack Aesthetics in Glendale, Arizona, Robinson’s services range from dermaplaning and hydro‑jelly facials to tailored skincare regimens. After contending with her skin troubles during training, Robinson pivoted toward “corrective treatments,” a focus that primarily benefits clients of color who are frequently misdiagnosed.

Tasia Smith

Operating out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tasia Smith is a certified acne specialist. She delivers services ranging from facials and chemical peels to microneedling and targeted treatments particularly aimed at tackling acne and the lingering shadows of dark spots. Beyond the hands-on work, Smith embraces the role of educator, demystifying skin concerns, challenging the stigma attached to hyperpigmentation and forging trust with clients.

Ebony Burns

Ebony Burns, an esthetician who founded Serving Faces Spa in Charlotte, North Carolina, crafts facials, corrective skin regimens, waxing, hair removal and other spa services. Inspired by her battle with acne, Burns entered esthetics to make high‑quality care more accessible in her community and to shed light on skin health that goes beyond surface‑level treatments. 

Taylor The Esty

Taylor The Esty is an esthetician, educator, and acne‑and‑hyperpigmentation specialist who runs an esthetic practice in Houston. On Instagram, she bills herself as “2× Awarded #1 Texas Solo Esthetician.” The feed zeroes in on acne, pigment concerns, corrective care, and skin‑education. She serves clients grappling with hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or heightened sensitivity. Education remains the cornerstone of her mission.

Jerron “Ronnie” Mitchell 

Jerron “Ronnie” Mitchell, an esthetician who also holds credentials in electrology and phlebotomy, operates out of Los Angeles and bills himself as a “skin  &  oils  &  butters” specialist. He laces lush ingredients, oils, and botanical butters into his esthetic treatments. His multidisciplinary background lets him craft care that goes beyond one‑size‑fits‑all protocols, especially for clients of color who often need gentler, culturally attuned skincare.

RELATED CONTENT: Get Groomed: 7 Black Brands That Center Men’s Cosmetic Care

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kalshi
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants To Finish Basketball Career In Greece

'I don't want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece.'

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has revealed his post-NBA plans.

According to BasketNews, the 30-year-old, who is preparing for his 13th season in the NBA, said on a Greek podcast that he has no plans to continue living in the United States after his NBA career ends. He wants to return to Greece.

The “Greek Freak” grew up in Athens before his basketball skills brought him to the NBA.

While discussing his future on The 2night Show, Antetokounmpo told the host that he anticipates playing another six to eight years in the NBA. When that day comes, he plans to play for a team Greece, his home country, before hanging up his sneakers for good.

“I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not?” he said. “I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris, I’m talking about all the teams now.”

The perennial All-Star hasn’t won an NBA championship since 2021. And with Antetokounmpo saying that is his goal every year, there has been speculation that he may be looking to play elsewhere to land another championship.

He is currently locked in with the Bucks this season.

“I’ve said this many times: I want to be in situations (where) I can win, and now I’m here,” Antetokounmpo said. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. And it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day by day, but I’m here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter.”

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Announces Federal Law Enforcement Surge In D.C., Pledges Removal of Homeless Encampments, Despite City’s 30-Year Low In Crime

Michael Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson, Bigi, Jackson trust funds, irs, estate
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2025

Michael Jackson’s Estate Says Paris Jackson Has Received $65M In Benefits

The executors say they transformed what was once a heavily indebted estate into a business empire.

After Paris Jackson raised questions about payments from Michael Jackson’s estate to law firms the executors disclosed that the King of Pop’s daughter has received $65 million in benefits.

An Oct. 9 court filing from Michael Jackson’s estate revealed Paris’s benefits as part of a motion by the estate’s executors, responding to her legal challenge over their management and transparency, People reports. After Paris accused the executors of making “premium payouts” to three law firms in 2018, they noted that she remains one of the top beneficiaries of her late father’s estate.

“Few have benefited more from the Executors’ business judgment than Petitioner herself, who has received roughly $65 million from the Estate in benefits,” the filing says. “She would have never received that had the Executors followed a typical playbook for an estate like this one in July 2009.”

The executors say they transformed what was once a heavily indebted estate, with Michael Jackson owing $500 million at the time of his death, into a thriving, “$2 billion estate” that is “a powerhouse and a force in the music business today.”

In June, Paris, 27, filed a petition challenging $625,000 in “gifts” and “gratuities” paid to three law firms in 2018 for what she called “uncaptured time.” The filing states that two of the firms received their full “premium payments,” violating a court order that allowed only partial attorney fee payments until court approval.

In their recent motion, the executors stated that the bonuses paid to the law firms were for “extraordinary services and results” that were “instrumental and critical in helping the Executors achieve unprecedented outcomes for the Estate, including, among other things, over $287 million in returns from the EMI investment.”

When Paris filed her challenge against the executors, Jonathan Steinsapir, attorney for Michael Jackson’s estate, defended the payments, stating they were consistent with decade-long practices and had been approved by a probate court.

“The Executors’ approval of payments to attorneys have been made with the same business judgment that has earned this Estate over $3 billion,” Steinsapir said.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Has New Premiere Date…Again

ICE, detroit, civil rights leaders
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2025

Homeland Security Claims Mexican Gangs Offer Bounties Of Up To $50K For ICE Agents

DHS claims Chicago street gangs are involved.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claim criminals in Mexico have offered bounties of up to $50,000, to dox, kidnap, or kill U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.

The DHS announced that Mexican criminals have banded with domestic extremist groups to pay people to carry out the aim to thwart ICE and CBP personnel from obtaining people they may consider to be illegal residents in the United States. The agency has claimed that these criminal networks have put out specific instructions to people who are labeled U.S.-based sympathetics, including Chicago street gangs. They have been instructed to monitor, harass, and assassinate federal agents.

“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law; they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in a written statement. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice.”

The Mexican cartels are supposedly incentivizing people to harm federal employees associated with the two aforementioned agencies, according to DHS, here’s the pay structure.

  • $2,000 for gathering intelligence or doxxing agents (including photos and family details).
  • $5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on standard ICE/CBP officers.
  • Up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials.

Based on information that was provided to the government, the criminal enterprises have deployed “spotters” in specific neighborhoods in Chicago, including Pilsen and Little Village. Gang members affiliated with groups like the Latin Kings have been sent to rooftops that are equipped with firearms and radio communications. They are supposedly tracking ICE and CBP movements in real-time and sending the information to the cartels.

The supposed movement has enabled individuals to ambush the agents and disrupt their activities during routine enforcement actions, according to DHS.

Since the beginning of his second term, President Donald Trump has laid the groundwork for ICE to carry out raids in specific cities in an effort to deport individuals who may not have legal resident status in the United States.

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Mayor Signs ‘ICE Free Zones’ Legislation Amid Threats Of Raids, Leaving White House Upset 

HBCU, Abbott Scholars Program, Medical student, Meharry Medical College
by Mitti Hicks

October 17, 2025

eHBCU and MedCerts Partner To Create Opportunities In Sought-After Healthcare, IT Roles

According to MedCerts, more than 100,000 students have completed at least one of its programs in 16 years.

MedCerts, a leader in online healthcare and IT career training, announced that it will collaborate with eHBCU, the nation’s first digital HBCU consortium, to expand students’ pathways to careers in healthcare and IT.

The collaboration expands access and equity by offering affordable, online certification programs so graduates leave the programs credentialed and prepared for the workforce.

“This partnership with MedCerts is about removing barriers to education,” said Terry Jeffries, executive director of eHBCU. “We’re giving students the chance to train for high-demand careers online, while still experiencing the culture and community that make HBCUs so unique.” 

eHBCU’s launched its national portal in 2025, which allows students to complete a single application and have access to multiple HBCU programs. With the MedCerts certifications, consortium expands into workforce training. It’s a significant step in a long-term strategy to blend tradition with innovation and expand opportunities for students everywhere. 

“Too many students have the drive but not the access,” said Jennifer Kolb, vice president of partnerships and workforce development at MedCerts. “Our work with eHBCU changes that—giving learners a clear, affordable path into today’s workforce.”  

MedCerts’ Success Over Almost 20 Years

According to MedCerts, more than 100,000 students have completed one of its programs over the past 16 years, ultimately moving graduates into high-demand roles in healthcare, IT, and other growing industries.

What differentiates MedCerts’ curriculum is that it was developed with direct input from employers to ensure that graduates gain relevant skills that are in demand and immediately applicable in the job market.  The ultimate vision for this partnership is to expand opportunity, reduce barriers, and build stronger pathways from education to stable, high-demand careers  so students everywhere can thrive, regardless of location or obstacles. 

For more information or to enroll, visit https://ehbcu.medcerts.com/

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