by Mitti Hicks

October 16, 2025

Voting Rights Act: Supreme Court To Rule On Landmark Case That Prohibits Discrimination In Voting

The future of Black political representation is now at the mercy of the high court.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most important laws of our lifetime. The landmark civil rights law prohibits racial discrimination in voting. It also ensures that all eligible Americans have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

But the Supreme Court could roll back a key provision enacted 60 years ago to ensure that Black people have equal access to voting.

In one of the most significant cases of the year, the high court will rule on a case out of Louisiana. White voters in Louisiana v. Callais are challenging the state’s new congressional map following the population shift from the 2020 Census. At first, the state legislature drew a new congressional map that had only one majority-Black district of six total, even though Black people made up nearly a third of the population.

Black voters sued, and a judge agreed that the map violated parts of the Voting Rights Act. State legislatures went back to the drawing board and created a second majority-Black district to reflect the Census data. That angered non-Black voters, who argued in a separate lawsuit that the state created a “racial quota” that cost the state a Republican House seat in a narrowly divided Congress. The lawsuit, led by Phillip Callais, claims that the state’s use of race to comply with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) violates the 14th and 15th Amendments.

A Bleak Future For The Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court currently has a 6-3 conservative majority. The future of Black political representation in the state is at the mercy of the high court. Justices took a rare step during their last term. Instead of issuing a decision, they called for a second round of oral arguments. According to USA Today, justices are asking whether states can create legislative districts that comply with the Voting Rights Act without violating bans on racial discrimination in the 14th and 15th Amendments.

While Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal justices in backing the provision of the Voting Rights Act that’s currently in question, he is now asking whether that part of the law is still needed, signaling what could become a significant blow to Black voters in Louisiana.

Democratic voting rights groups say gutting the Voting Rights Act’s protections could help Republicans win an additional 27 House seats, including 19 that would directly result from invalidating the law’s protections.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 16, 2025

BLACKWEEK Makes Triumphant Return To New York City

Black people gathered to gain knowledge, network, and build community.

BLACKWEEK returned to the Tribeca section of Manhattan with the theme of “Welcome to the Culture Economy.” Thousands gathered to gain knowledge, community, and to network with like-minded individuals.

As the second BLACKWEEK took over Spring Studios from Oct. 6 to 9, people lined up for knowledge and advice. Speakers included Don Lemon, Charlamagne the God, Will Lucas, Lena Waithe, and a trove of others offered the game to those interested in getting it.

“One of the biggest goals for BLACKWEEK was to stay authentic, to being a true conference to bring people together,” said Megan Segarra, one of BLACKWEEK’s organizers. “And I think a lot of conferences pretend, like, they’re actually doing that, but what they’re really trying to do is amplify themselves, make money, do whatever.”

Segarra was confident that the goal of this year’s BLACKWEEK was met, as evidenced by the smiling faces seen throughout the event.

“This year’s theme was ‘Welcome to the Culture Economy’ ’cause there is no economy without culture,” she said. “It is truly an intersection. And so, to ensure that our talks amplified it as a true mission was our goal.  And I think we delivered on that with our programming.”

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JoJo Simmons, chief brand officer of 3isFor, reality TV personality and podcast host (For Good Podcast), moderated a panel.

“I’m taking away everything from it,” Simmons said of BLACKWEEK. “I’m listening to everybody. I’m seeing what everybody’s got going on. Obviously, super-excited to be here to do my podcast live, but just hearing everybody else and what they have going on and other things that the Black people are doing, it’s an amazing feeling, man. Especially me being Black myself, obviously, and being amongst people that just appreciate what I bring to the space is me appreciating what they bring to the space as well.”

The importance of Black people and their inventions was on the mind of comedian Godfrey, who hosted a show for up-and-coming comics. But he was also ecstatic about the purpose of BLACKWEEK.

“Well, anything Black is important, especially with business and tech,” he explained. “That’s important for us, ’cause we’re always left out of a lot of these things. And which is still sad till this day.”

After naming several inventors and their creations, Godfrey took issue with the mindset of racists who still hold a grudge and still consider us less than them.

“What are you talking about? Why are we getting left out of technology? We are a technology. Built the pyramids. What are we talking about here?  Mathematics and all that sh** is what we created. So these things are important, that we need it for people to have opportunity, that don’t get opportunities.

“It’s just tired.  Enough of that. Enough of you not liking us ’cause of what we look like. You know what I’m saying?  So these types of events are very important. I’m glad to be part of it, and I hope it continues to expand.”

BLACKWEEK did more than bring together business leaders, creators, and innovators. It may have advanced the careers of several people who came looking for knowledge while also speaking to others who need an assist in reaching their goals.

Lawsuit, Miami hotel records, Sean Diddy Combs, Subpoena

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 16, 2025

Conditions Revealed Regarding Diddy’s Supervised Release After Prison

After his 50-month prison term, he will have to complete five years of supervised release.

Details have been revealed regarding the terms and conditions of Sean “Diddy” Combs will face after he is released from prison.

According to TMZ, the controversial entertainment mogul will not have the freedom afforded to others after he completes his 50-month prison sentence. Based on a recent court filing, 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.

He will have to be involved in outpatient treatment programs 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.

Forbes reported that Diddy will also be barred from “encouraging” anyone else to contact his victims and that he will have to submit to searches of his person, property, and electronic devices if probation officers have “reasonable suspicion” he may have violated the terms of his release or has committed a crime. Financial records must be provided to his probation officer if requested. He also cannot engage with anyone involved in criminal activity.

Diddy has still 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. Diddy’s attorneys requested that he serve his sentence in New Jersey at FCI Fort Dix, which has an acclaimed drug treatment program.

Subramanian said that the decision on where Diddy will be placed is up to the Bureau of Prisons.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Forks Over ‘Freak-Off’ Tapes To FBI

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

MacKenzie Scott Gifts Another $63 Million to Morgan State

The philanthropist has given the Maryland HBCU $103 million since 2020.

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given another “transformative” gift to Morgan State University: a record-breaking $63 million.

Her donations to the Maryland HBCU over the past five years have totaled $103 million. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave a then-record $40 million to the school in 2020.

This new wave of financial support will help Morgan State thrive as the third-largest HBCU in the nation.

Scott’s latest donation is unrestricted, granting Morgan State officials the full authority to use it for strategic investments. The latest gift will deepen the school’s endowment and increase support for student success and its endeavors as a research institution.

The school is already on track to become the second HBCU with Carnegie 1 Research status, a mission further supported by this new gift.

“MacKenzie Scott’s renewed investment in Morgan is a resounding testament to the work we’ve done to drive transformation, not only within our campus but throughout the communities we serve,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, in an Oct. 15 press release. “To receive one historic gift from Ms. Scott was an incredible honor; to receive two speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution’s stewardship, leadership, and trajectory. This is more than philanthropy—it’s a partnership in progress.”

This support has also pushed more philanthropic interest into Morgan State and other HBCUs, as Scott’s gifts have sparked a wave of donations toward institutions at the Atlanta University Center. Scott’s money has helped Morgan State build its Center for Urban Health Equity and National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities.

The latest funding will also help cushion the school’s latest venture, the first public, nonprofit medical school at an HBCU. With this critical financial support, the university remains on track to break boundaries in healthcare provider equity and research opportunities for its diverse scholars.

Furthermore, trusting Morgan State to allocate and manage this funding further supports its abilities to grow and thrive on its own terms.

“Morgan is on an extraordinary journey,” added Wilson. “This investment will allow us to accelerate that momentum, breaking barriers, advancing equity, and fulfilling our vision to become one of the top public research universities in the country—without losing our soul.”

7 Mobile Apps That Offer Domestic Violence Assistance

Domestic violence continues to loom as a shadow epidemic

Domestic violence continues to loom as a shadow epidemic, particularly in Black communities where the domestic violence rate is telling. Roughly 40% of Black women are plagued by intimate partner violence, including stalking, physical, sexual, and verbal violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

As tangible resources and helplines buckle under swelling demand, a fresh front line has emerged in the pursuit of safety: digital apps. From journaling utilities to SOS alerts and customized escape itineraries, technology is evolving into a lifeline for victims of intimate‑partner violence. Here are seven apps that offer assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Bright Sky

Bright Sky, available as both an app and a website, delivers a mix of content, risk‑assessment tools, and a searchable directory of local support services for survivors of intimate‑partner abuse. After its 2023 debut in the United States, the platform has expanded internationally, reaching users in multiple countries.

myPlan

MyPlan is a managed, research‑backed application that equips survivors, potential victims, and their concerned loved ones with the means to gauge risk and map out safer next steps. By posing a series of targeted questions, it spins out safety plans and decision‑support tools. The platform is currently live, receiving updates in both English and Spanish, and can be accessed widely through an app download or via a web portal in the United States and beyond.

VictimsVoice

VictimsVoice, a password‑protected web app that gives survivors a way to capture and organize evidence chronologically for court. It’s currently available to paying users, runs in any browser, and is designed to look like a basic app so it can stay under the radar.

Aspire News App

Aspire News App: A hidden Help section offers resources and a one-touch call for help to survivors of domestic abuse seeking escape routes and support. Currently available on iPhone and Android, it’s ranked among the top domestic violence apps.

iHEAL

iHEAL, a mobile and web app that offers tools for risk assessment, health and safety planning, grounding exercises, and also links users to about 400 personalized resources. Since its 2023 debut, iHEAL has striven to bridge gaps in access, confidentiality, and tailored support for remote regions across Canada.

Hollie Guard

Hollie Guard is a personal‑safety app that lets users record evidence and instantly ping trusted contacts or services. It’s currently available in the U.K. with the possibility of expansion, and its premium features are offered for a fee.

JDoe

JDoe, an anonymous reporting app, connects survivors and witnesses of sexual misconduct and abuse through encryption. It matches multiple reports against the same offender and provides legal resources. Established recently, the app is actively used in the U.S. (with potential expansion). Its purpose is to foster strength in shared reporting and collective legal action while preserving anonymity.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

More Millennials Using PTO for Zzzs

Millennials are leading the trend of employees who use their PTO to knock out.

More millennials are using paid time off (PTO) not to take a trip, but to catch up on sleep.

Amerisleep surveyed 1,200 Americans and found that they use their paid time off to recharge. For almost half, they revealed they have called out of work just for some extra hours of beauty rest.

According to the mattress retailer’s survey results obtained by Athletech News, 43% of millennials use up that precious PTO time for some days of rest. Over a third also shared that they prioritize vacations where they can primarily sleep the corporate burnout away.

However, the trend may lean more toward those with higher incomes. Those earning six-figure salaries were 26% more likely to use PTO to snooze than those earning below that level. This finding suggests that these more consuming roles lead to actual exhaustion in these employees. On average, they use up about two to three vacation days strictly to recharge from their work responsibilities.

This phenomenon mainly affects the millennial generation, particularly those in mid-career who may take on more managerial positions. As for those in their early careers, like Gen-Z, or the C-suite, such as Gen-X and baby boomers, they have much lower rates of using PTO for sleep purposes. The report reveals that only 20% of baby boomers actually take time off to lounge around, with Gen-Z and Gen-X accounting for 33% and 34%, respectively.

Millennials are also stuck in a difficult place, as their home responsibilities pile up alongside their professional ones. Many in this age group are also reckoning with caring for their kids and the elderly adults in their lives, adding unique stressors to their everyday lives.

In light of this, millennials are also more inclined to take a vacation primarily to rest. In the age of wellness, more businesses are catering to the work burnout crowd. Sleep-focused hotels are soothing guests’ exhaustion by prioritizing the “rest” part of relaxation.

Amerisleep also reported a 95% increase in Google searches for “wellness travel.” This also extended to searches for “sleep resort” and “sleep vacation.” Those relatively new terms have seen a 30% increase in the past two years.

While millennials have a desire to beat burnout by taking much-needed days off for rest, they are driving a new trend of leisure that prioritizes sleep above all else.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

Laila Ali Enters The ‘Chatter’ On Claressa Shields’ $15M Boxing Match Offer

Ali remained coy on if she will step back into the ring to fight Shields.

Laila Ali has spoken, and it’s clear the ongoing feud between her and Claressa Shields stands.

Ali shared her thoughts on the proposed boxing match against Shields, who recently told tabloids that the former had declined her $15 million offer to enter the ring. Ali talked about the “chatter” surrounding the lofty offer, but wanted to keep her opponent’s image off her page. The Neighborhood Talk shared clips of all the back-and-forth conversations surrounding this suggested fight.

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“Now, there was recently a lot of talk about me possibly making a comeback to boxing. There was even a $15 million challenge, and a whole lot of chatter,” explained Ali, seemingly referencing Shields’ public proposition.

“A whole lot has been said, except I didn’t get in the conversation until now.”

The daughter of Muhammad Ali continued, “Well, I have made time in my schedule, just like I said I would, to address this. And you know what, I don’t even want this person’s image on my page. So I want you to go to this page, because I’m going to be dropping my response very, very soon.”

However, instead of giving fans a straight answer, Ali kept poking fun at the situation. She told her followers that she runs her show, and she will let them know about her comeback on her time.

“Now to answer the question that I know many of you who are poking around waiting for me to give you an answer, the answer is yes… I am going to answer your question when I’m good and ready to do it. Because you know what, nobody calls shots on me. I do things when and how and where I like to do them.”

Ali also re-posted a new diss track that has fans in an uproar for its attacks on the fellow female boxing champion. The song, rapped by another woman named Geisha305, directly shaded Shield’s controversial relationship with rapper Papoose. Her personal life even prompted another beef with Papoose’s ex and fellow rapper, Remy Ma.

As tensions rise between the two female boxing champions, Shields spoke on Ali’s latest response to the proposal. The Flint native asserted that Ali seemed scared to face her, especially as she secured the number Ali suggested to step into the ring.

“Laila [Ali] and her representative told us ‘No,'” expressed Shields. And that’s fine. I have no problem with that, I’m not upset. I wouldn’t fight me either…I understand that she’s scared. I’m moving on.”

She continued, “I got plenty of girls who I can fight. I can make plenty of championships…I can go up, I can go down. I mean, it’s not a big deal, you know.”

Both women reign as two of the greatest boxing champions of all time. Currently, they hold undefeated records and multiple titles, making their match-up a highly anticipated fight, if it ever comes into fruition. In Shields’s eyes, if the $15 million check did not make Ali lace up her gloves, then she’s moving on.

She further stated, “I thought that she was about all that talk. She wanted 15 million. I went and got to 15 million, and now it’s all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her and whatever she’s doing, but I’m moving on with my career, and I’m happy that she said no, I really didn’t want to put the paws on her anyway.”

by Mitti Hicks

October 16, 2025

Women In U.S. Have Limited Access To Less Expensive, Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IORT in 1999.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) costs cancer patients less time and money in treatment and is less invasive compared to traditional radiation treatments for breast cancer. Access, however, is limited in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IORT in 1999. It’s a treatment that involves just a single dose of radiation to a patient’s breast tissue after surgery, compared to whole or partial breast radiation treatments that often require multiple sessions and more money.

IORT is not recommended for every breast cancer patient. It’s an excellent option for candidates who are postmenopausal with an early-stage diagnosis, very small tumors, and no evidence of lymph node involvement.

Breast surgeons, however, tell NBC News that it’s harder to find IORT treatment options in the United Staets because it cuts into the revenue of doctors and hospitals who make a ton of money from traditional radiation treatments.

Breast Cancer Treatment: IORT Vs. Radiation

Radiation oncologists who perform IORT reportedly receive $525 per treatment, far less than the $1,300 they receive when performing whole breast radiation with five sessions and the $1,730 generated by 15 sessions, according to Medicare estimates from 2022. The benefits for hospitals and doctors don’t end there—patients also have to pay facility fees with each visit.

It’s important to note that breast cancer surgeons receive the same amount regardless of IORT treatments, whole breast irradiation, or partial irradiation.

While IORT has similar long-term survival outcomes and eliminates the potential for burns on the skin and life-threatening damage to the heart and lungs, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) does not recommend it for patients outside of clinical trials. One issue, according to ASTRO, is the recurrence rate. Research indicates slightly higher cancer recurrence rates when compared to those who undergo whole breast irradiation.

But countries such as Europe, South America, and Asia have been using IORT for more than two decades.

“This is about money and greed,” Dr. Phillip Ley, the director of oncology services at Merit Health Surgical Oncology, told NBC News.

XCEL SUMMIT for men, HONOREES, Troy taylor

by Kandiss Edwards

October 16, 2025

The 2025 XCEL Summit For Men Continues To Honor Black Men And Give Them Their Flowers

The XCEL Summit For Men, formerly known as the Black Men XCEL Summit, has a history of celebrating Black men.

Since its launch in August 2017, the (BMX) Black Men XCEL Summit, now the XCEL Summit For Men, has become a signature event for BLACK ENTERPRISE. The summit’s focus is to celebrate and elevate the personal and professional accomplishments and growth of Black men.

A multi-day event, the XCEL Summit For Men is designed as a response to a growing need: Black men need spaces that go beyond boardrooms. Furthermore, the XCEL Summit For Men is a space where Black men receive their flowers and are poured into. A space that acknowledges the unique position of Black men striving for excellence. A space that champions and actively supports tangible professional growth.

The 2025 XCEL Summit kicked off Oct. 15 with a welcome reception hosted by Fidelity Investments and wrapped up with its much anticipated Award ceremony where the year’s honorees were awarded for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Honorees included the following: Troy Taylor: founder/ chairman & CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages; John Hope Bryant: founder/chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc. | Bryant Group Ventures LLC; George C. Fraser: founder of FraserNet Inc.; Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson: senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church; Larry Fitzgerald Jr: former NFL player, philanthropist and investor, head of Larry Fitzgerald Foundation; Robert Smith founder/chairman & CEO of Vista Equity Partners.

“Black Men XCEL is both a declaration and a quantum leap forward in the recognition of the achievements, leadership, and excellence of Black men,” BE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves once shared. “It is the perfect opportunity for Black men—and the women who love them—to indulge, celebrate, and enjoy themselves.”

The inaugural event featured esteemed Black men of excellence, including film director Robert Townsend, REVOLT Media Co-Founder Keith Clinkscales, and Emmy-winning broadcaster Ed Gordon, among others. Additionally, the late Rep. John Lewis received the first XCEL Award for Excellence and Leadership. Later honorees to receive the award, renamed the Earl G. Graves Vanguard Award, include T.D. Jakes, Kenneth Chenault, Tommie Smith, Jesse Jackson, Ben Crump, and Anthony Anderson, among others.

This year’s XCEL Summit For Men takes place Oct. 15-17, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando. It comes at a time when attacks on Black professionals and executives are rising. Topics will include Black men’s mental health, the pressures of leadership, and what it takes to thrive in corporate and cultural spaces that are sometimes unwelcoming. There will be a host of networking and skill growth opportunities.

The XCEL Summit For Men remains a powerful gathering that fosters growth, celebration, and legacy-building, inside and outside the C-suite.

Check out day one photos:

Hitman Howie Tee, Hip Hop, Mickey Factz, NYU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

Class Is In Session: Mickey Factz To Teach ‘The Art Of The MC’ At NYU Clive Davis Institute

Factz already has his own school for hip-hop lyricism.

Mickey Factz has been hired as an adjunct professor for the Clive Davis Institute at New York University. The Bronx rapper will make his professorial debut with “The Art of the M.C.” class, succeeding Black Thought of The Roots.

According to a press release, the course will break down the elements of being a masterful emcee, a journey Factz knows firsthand.

“It’s an honor to continue the legacy of MCs that preceded me to teach at the Clive Davis Institute,” he said. “I will be bringing my expertise, wealth of knowledge and mentoring to a historic space such as NYU. I want to acknowledge the incredible faculty at NYU for their support, as well as my friend Shawn Setaro for his words of recommendation. Long Live Lyricism. Class is in session. Literally.”

NYU students will learn about the history and philosophies of hip-hop as a musical movement and rap as a craft. Dissecting authentic artistry, performance, and lyricism, the seven-week course will also provide a firsthand look into the nuanced work of becoming a certified MC. The class will function as a workshop, enabling students to delve deeper into song structure and analysis, freestyle development, and stage command.

The 2009 XXL Freshman class alumnus has become a household name in the hip-hop community for his dynamic lyricism and academic prowess in the genre. Aside from collaborations with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and other rap heavyweights, the acclaimed battle rapper went on to produce three albums and a plethora of mixtapes throughout his decades-long career.

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Factz also founded the Pendulum Ink Academy, his online school teaching lyricism and hip-hop. At the Clive Davis Institute at NYU Tisch, Factz will also lend his talents to the program that amplifies the importance of diverse music genres.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Mickey Factz to the Clive Davis Institute for the ‘Art of the MC’ course,” added JD Samson, director of performance at the Clive Davis Institute. “Professor Mickey is entering the department with his groundbreaking hip-hop pedagogy and decades of experience as a lyricist, educator, and cultural innovator. His dedication to teaching and his artistic vision will be a massive asset to our students and community.”

Class officially begins Oct. 23.