by Jameelah Mullen

October 9, 2025

City Leaders Offer Relief To Unpaid TSA Workers Amid Government Shutdown In Atlanta

It takes a village.

Atlanta officials are leading the charge to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport who are currently working without pay amid the government shutdown.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined forces to launch a program aimed at lightening the financial load for the approximately 1,200 employees working at the world’s busiest airport.

“Republicans shut down the government, leaving thousands of federal employees—including TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport—without pay, even as they continue to serve the public,” Williams’ office said in a statement.

City officials will provide two meal vouchers per shift to all full-time TSA employees, and part-time employees will also receive a voucher, according to Fox 5 News. Atlanta Employees will also have access to free parking. The program begins Oct. 11.

The outlet also reported that other airport vendors may offer elevated discounts or free meals for TSA staff.

TGI Fridays, which has three restaurants at the airport, announced that it will offer one free meal per day from a “specially curated menu” to TSA and Air Traffic Control employees through Oct. 23.

“TSA and air traffic control workers keep our country moving, and we wanted to do our part to support them. Whether they’re grabbing a meal at one of our airport locations during a shift or sitting down at a neighborhood Fridays® after a long day, we want them to know we appreciate them and we’re here for them,” Ray Blanchette, CEO of TGI Fridays, noted in a press release.

Aaron Barker, who leads the local Association of Federal Employees (AFGE), recalls TSA employees adjusting to cope with the financial strain of the last government shutdown.

“In the past, when we did have the 35-day shutdown, most officers toughed it out,” stated Barker. “They did try to find a way to get to work even if it wasn’t every day, or try to find a way to find a carpool together. Unfortunately, some officers ended up sleeping in their cars at the airport,” Barker told 11 Alive News.

TSA employees will receive a partial paycheck on Oct. 11, but they will not receive any additional pay until the government shutdown ends.

Ohio mom, Michigan, Darren, Dawson, Ohio, tortured closet, social security, Juvenile jails, ex cons for trump

by Jameelah Mullen

October 9, 2025

Trial Begins For 3 Ex-Corrections Officers Accused In Death Of Handcuffed Black Man

If convicted, the former officers could face life in prison.

The murder trial of three former corrections officers charged in the deadly beating of inmate Robert Brooks started earlier this week. Mathew Galliher, Nicholas Kieffer, and David Kingsley face charges of murder and first-degree manslaughter.

Body camera footage partially captured the attack at the Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 9, 2024.

In his opening statement, Onondaga County (NY) District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told jurors they would see “massive evidence” that the officers intended to cause harm to Brooks.

Fitzpatrick described the incident to the jurors, accusing the men of pinning Brooks down as they took turns beating him and pepper-spraying him. Brooks was transferred to Marcy from a nearby jail where he had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017.

“They no longer were corrections officers. They were a gang,” Fitzpatrick said in his opening statement.

The videos, which garnered public outrage, show officers beating Brooks in the chest with a shoe, lifting him by the neck, and dropping him.

Defense attorneys said the evidence will demonstrate the officers did not act with malice or “depraved indifference to human life.”

“The prosecution is attempting to tie Nicholas Kieffer to the actions of others, suggesting to you that he is somehow responsible via association,” said his attorney, David Longeretta, ABC News reported.

Galliher’s attorney, Kevin Luibrand, said his client only shackled Brooks to prevent him from kicking, but Galliher didn’t take part in the actions that led to Brooks’ death.

“Mathew Galliher didn’t harm Robert Brooks. He didn’t hit him, he didn’t strike him, he didn’t encourage others to strike him, he didn’t deny him medical care,” Luibrand said as reported by ABC News. “He didn’t do anything that contributed to the death of Robert Brooks.”

Prosecutors charged seven other prison guards in connection with the case. Six of them have accepted plea deals.

If convicted, the three former officers could face in life in prison, according to the (Utica, NY) Observer-Dispatch.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 9, 2025

NCAA May Allow Student-Athletes, Staff Members To Legally Bet On Pro Sports

The Division I Administrative Committee has voted to remove that restriction.

There is currently a prohibition under NCAA rules that prevents college student-athletes and athletics department staff members from betting on pro sports. However, this may change as the Division I Administrative Committee has voted to remove that restriction.

The committee adopted a proposal to lift the restriction in a recent meeting. However, the decision to end the prohibition does not prevent students and staff from sharing information about college competitions with other bettors.

The rule will only go into effect if the Divisions II and III committees also approve the proposal. Both divisions have meetings at the end of October to consider the proposal approved by their Division I counterparts. If both divisions agree to the proposal, the rule change will take place on Nov. 1.

Administrative staff stated that this decision wasn’t made to endorse student-athletes and staff members betting on sports, but to ease the restrictions placed on them and allow them to “engage in betting activities on professional sports.”

“The Administrative Committee was clear in its discussion today that it remains concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling, but ultimately voted to reduce restrictions on student-athletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” said Josh Whitman, Illinois athletic director and committee chair, in a written statement. “This change allows the NCAA, the conferences and the member schools to focus on protecting the integrity of college games while, at the same time, encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports.

The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also supports the rule change.

The change was suggested because the NCAA enforcement staff’s caseload involving sports betting has increased, as they investigate violations among staff members that directly affect the integrity of college sports.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

UConn ‘Anti-Black Racism’ Course Is On The Chopping Block Due To Trump Administration Mandates

The university’s legal office advised its senate leaders that the requirement could be deemed illegal under current federal interpretation.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is considering dropping a requirement that undergraduates complete a one-credit course on anti-Black racism. Leadership at the the university believes the course could be illegal.

As the Trump administration scrutinizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at public institutions, many have eliminated programs and curricula that may be considered DEI. The university’s legal office advised its senate leaders that the requirement could be deemed illegal under current federal interpretation.

At an Oct. 6 Senate meeting, UConn’s general counsel gave senators a memorandum claiming that requiring the Anti-Black Racism could conflict with federal law, according to the UConn Senate Executive Committee Report.

“Following guidance issued by the federal government, It is the opinion of the University General Counsel’s Office that the ABR requirement as originally passed by the University Senate would be considered illegal by the current federal administration,” the report states.

University Senate member Tom Bontly voiced concern during the meeting, CT Insider reported.

“I think it sends a terrible message to our students,” Bontly said. “It sends a terrible message to communities of color at the university and anybody else who is threatened by discrimination, that we will not stand up for them and that we will capitulate to the probable illegal demands of an administration.”

According to CT Insider, multiple senators defended the Anti-Black Racism course.

“I am deeply concerned and deeply worried that we’re entering a slippery slope situation, when next we will be afraid to teach any courses, even if they are an option,” University Senator Beth Ginsberg said.

University Senator Theodore Rasmussen agreed with Ginsberg’s assessment. “I think there’s actually a larger issue at hand here, which is the ability of the University of Connecticut and other educational institutions to develop their own curricula.”

The Senate is seeking several alternatives to eliminating the course. Making the course optional and converting it into multiple justice-themed topics were introduced as solutions. The Senate did not vote on rescinding the requirement but deferred it for further study.

As of this month, the U.S. Anti-Black Racism course is no longer available.

Black women, SheaMoisture, 15 prcent pledge, black women business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 9, 2025

Aurora James Says SheaMoisture’s Partnership With Fifteen Percent Pledge Shows That ‘They Get It’

Aurora James is praising SheaMoisture for maintaining its support of Black-owned businesses amid broader corporate shifts on DEI initiatives.

As support for diverse businesses falters amid political attacks on DEI, Aurora James is praising SheaMoisture for standing out as a major company willing to back initiatives led by people of color.

Fresh off SheaMoisture’s announcement of expanding the Dartmouth Fellowship program in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, James is sharing what the collaboration means for Black entrepreneurs amid corporate pullbacks on DEI and a political climate rolling back prior progress.

“It’s a joy to partner with SheaMoisture, because they get it – diversity is in their DNA,” James told Essence. “This brand has been supporting Black consumers and entrepreneurs since day one.”

Through the partnership, James and the Fifteen Percent Pledge team will help select half of the 20 participants for the SheaMoisture Fellowship at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. Launched in 2015, the fellowship fully funds women entrepreneurs’ attendance, providing access to top-tier business education and networks that can transform the trajectory of their businesses.

This year’s fellowship, with the Pledge’s involvement, guarantees that at least half of the participants are Black-owned businesses, reflecting James’s ongoing mission to push major retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.

“I started the Pledge with a call to action for companies to make long-term, sustained investments in Black founders – because at this point, we all know that writing one check or launching one collaboration is not going to move the needle toward equity,” she said.

Amid a challenging climate for diverse business owners, James remains optimistic, highlighting Pledge supporters who have not only maintained their support for Black-owned businesses but have even strengthened their commitments.

“It’s hard not to feel like we’re backtracking right now,” she said. “But the good news is, our strongest partners at the Pledge – who have always been in it for the right reasons – are doubling down on their commitments to equity. Because they understand it’s a smart business proposition.”

Over the 10-year history of the SheaMoisture Fellowship at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, more than 100 women have participated, achieving an average revenue growth of 14.3% and a 6% increase in profit margins. James is now eager to see that success extend to Black women-owned businesses.

“We really hope to see founders walk away from the Dartmouth experience with tools and lessons to scale their businesses sustainably,” she said. “If these women head home from this experience and create a ripple effect of wealth, innovation, and opportunity in their communities, that’s how we know the work is working.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 9, 2025

‘Assassin’s Creed’ Featuring Formerly Enslaved Person Reportedly Canceled Over Fears of Controversy

Fans of the game are not happy over the development.

A planned Assassin’s Creed game set during Reconstruction, centered on a formerly enslaved person seeking revenge, was reportedly canceled in July 2024.

According to an anonymous group of Ubisoft employees, management in Paris halted development on the post–Civil War-era game, over fears of online backlash following the online reveal of Yasuke, a Black samurai protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and concerns over the increasingly tense political climate in the United States.

“Too political in a country too unstable, to make it short,” one source told Game File.

The canceled game would have taken the Assassin’s Creed franchise into one of its most modern eras, the American Civil War and the Reconstruction period of the 1860s and 1870s. The story follows a formerly enslaved Black man who heads west to begin a new life before being recruited by the Assassins. His journey leads him back to the South to fight for justice and confront the rise of the Ku Klux Klan.

Employees were reportedly excited about the project and frustrated by its cancellation, viewing Ubisoft’s decision as caving to potential controversy. Fans have voiced their disappointment.

Ubisoft canceled an ‘ASSASSINS CREED’ game set in the post-Civil War era

• Featured a Black Assassin who was formerly a slave

• Players would fight the emerging KKK

• Leadership canceled it after concerns with U.S. political climate & Yasuke backlash

(Source:… pic.twitter.com/PBbXT6ocjY
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 8, 2025

“This is why whenever big companies tell you how valuable their diversity and core beliefs are, you shouldn’t trust them,” one fan tweeted. “As soon as money’s on the line, they’ll abandon everything they believe in to appease the people who don’t even buy their product.”

“I can’t stop thinking about it. About the plethora of ways this could have been this franchise’s actual return to greatness,” another fan wrote. “How it could have deeply mattered and be remembered. This is suppression of dissenting voices. I’m so mad.”

One fan offered some consolation to those eager for a similar storyline, pointing to Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry—a downloadable content (DLC) expansion for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Set in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti) in the mid-18th century, the story follows Adéwalé, a former quartermaster of the Jackdaw, who is shipwrecked in Port-au-Prince and joins the fight to free enslaved people from brutal plantation conditions and slave ships.

“In case people don’t know, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Freedom Cry is an amazing DLC featuring a black assassin helping to dismantle slavery in Haiti,” the fan shared. “It’s a short but very compelling story, and I’d recommend it to anyone who would’ve been interested in the cancelled game.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 9, 2025

Hakeem Jeffries Tells GOP Colleague To ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ During Confrontation Over Government Shutdown

Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler had it out.

In true New York fashion, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (NY) to keep his mouth shut after an intense confrontation about extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for a year, a key reason behind the federal government shutdown, which is now in its ninth day.

Following an Oct. 8 press conference, Lawler approached Jeffries about the standstill as cameras rolled. “We got a one-year extension. Why don’t we sign on right now?” Lawler asked Jeffries about the bipartisan legislation introduced to extend ACA subsidies for a year.

Jeffries matched the energy by responding, “Did you get permission from your boss? Did your boss, Donald Trump, give you permission?”

Lawler continued to speak over Jeffries, resulting in some harsh words from the Brooklyn native. “You are making a show of this to make yourself relevant. You’re embarrassing yourself right now,” he said. “…Why don’t you just keep your mouth shut?”

Jeffries to Lawler: You’re not going to talk over me because you don’t want to hear what I have to say so why don’t you just keep your mouth shut pic.twitter.com/tDz83r6tMQ
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 8, 2025

Jeffries and fellow Democrats want a permanent extension of the tax credits, with the Congressman labeling the one-year extension of the ACA a “non-starter.” During the exchange, he highlighted how Lawler voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill that indicated “a permanent extension of massive tax credits for your billionaire donors.”

Tensions are high on Capitol Hill. Jeffries vs. Lawler was just a continuation of another heated exchange about the shutdown that took place earlier. Arizona Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confronted Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on why he hasn’t sworn in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District in September.

Gallego accused Johnson of delaying the process to prevent the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files from being released, which are rumored to contain the names of high-powered leaders who may have engaged in illegal activity. Once sworn in, Grijalva will be the 218th signature, forcing a House vote on the matter. While Gallego said that the Speaker keeps “coming up with excuses.”

Johnson called the accusations “totally absurd.”

https://twitter.com/allenanalysis/status/1976003920439750960

After Johnson tried to change the topic by blaming Democrats for parts of the government being closed, Lawler reappeared to defend his colleague. “Don’t sit here and try to lecture us,” Lawler said. “How about you go down the hall and vote to open the government up. That would be great…Thank you very much.”

The two parties were scheduled to agree earlier that day to move forward with the funding plans in hopes of ending the shutdown.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Uber Driver Arrested After Allegedly Shooting 16-Year-Old Passenger

On Oct. 5, the unnamed 16-year-old was critically injured in a Waffle House parking lot following a dispute with Grundy.

Meredith Grundy, a Georgia Uber driver, has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a 16-year-old girl. He was booked in DeKalb Jail on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony.

On Oct. 5, the unnamed 16-year-old was critically injured in a Waffle House parking lot following a dispute with Grundy over vehicle seating, according to Dunwoody police.

Officers responded around 2:30 a.m. to reports of the shooting at a Waffle House on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Grundy allegedly told the group of five juveniles he could only transport four because of limited seatbelts. Subsequently, one of the juveniles allegedly assaulted and threatened to kill him. It was then that investigators say Grundy fired into the vehicle, striking the victim. She was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and remains in critical but stable condition.

The other teens present during the altercation refute Grundy’s claims of a prior assault. Police statements note the conflict escalated quickly as the teens “argued with the driver about his refusal and who should cancel the trip with Uber.”

The victim was shot in the back and both legs. Local outlet WANF reported that Grundy’s access to the Uber platform was terminated and that the company is cooperating with law enforcement.

A spokesperson for Uber told WSB Atlanta that Grundy’s access was removed and that the company is supporting investigators. The Dunwoody Police Department said the case remains under active investigation and that additional charges could follow as evidence is reviewed.

Grundy’s action is not the first, nor will it be the last, story to taint the Uber brand. In August 2025, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the number of alleged unreported sexual assaults committed by drivers from 2017 to 2022.

“A total of 400,181 Uber trips ended with reports of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in the U.S.”

The number is staggering compared to the 12,522 reports the company itself disclosed. Passengers are seeking to hold the company accountable for its minimal action regarding their safety by taking legal action. Four plaintiffs have been selected to begin proceedings in the “bellwether trial” against Uber. Court proceedings start Dec. 8.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 9, 2025

Justin Pearson Asks Voters To ‘Believe In Me’ While Announcing His Bid For U.S. Congress

Pearson is a part of a growing number of younger leaders stepping as the nation is seemingly frustrated with its older leaders.

Democratic Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson wants to take his passion to Washington, D.C., as he announced his bid for the U.S. Congress, eyeing the seat of longtime Rep. Steve Cohen.

In a passionate speech to potential voters, Pearson outlined the reasons why constituents of the 86th district, covering most of Memphis, should walk behind him as he leads the way. “Believe in me because I believe you deserve the best. I believe you deserve to retire without debt. I believe that you should live in a home and not ever worry about going underwater. I believe that you deserve access to healthcare no matter how rich you are, no matter how poor you are,” Pearson preached.

“I want you to believe not just me, but believe in us.”

JUST NOW IN MEMPHIS — Rep. @Justinjpearson announces his run for Congress: “Believe in me, because I believe you deserve the best. It’s about US.”

Full: https://t.co/WifmrRZKw9 pic.twitter.com/toRyhIYZBk
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) October 8, 2025

Pearson’s leadership has drawn national attention since 2023, along with controversy from his Republican colleagues. At just 30 years old, he became known as one of three blue-aisled state legislators, also known as the “Tennessee Three,” alongside fellow state Reps. Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson. On the day of his swearing-in after his election, he wore a traditional West African garment known as a dashiki, which sparked a sudden conversation about House dress norms—such as a suit and tie—as a way of showing respect.

He and Jones were also expelled for a short time for leading a gun control protest on the House floor following a school shooting in Nashville that took the lives of three nine-year-olds and three employees. Pearson says it’s time for a change of leadership because he is tired of being told to “keep going” and is concerned about the increase in poverty in the city.

“For too long, our district has been told to ‘keep going’ with the same leadership and the same outcomes,” Pearson said.

“We can’t afford more of the same. It’s time for a new vision — one that matches the scale of our challenges with the urgency our people deserve.”

According to NBC News, Pearson is part of a growing number of younger leaders stepping up as the nation becomes increasingly frustrated with its older leaders. His challenger, Cohen, is 76 years old and was first elected to the House in 2006 after serving in the state Senate for almost 20 years. Former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, who referred to Pearson as a “tested fighter” and announced plans for his group, Justice Democrats, and Leaders We Deserve to invest $1 million in his campaign, released a statement calling for Cohen to “pass the torch” to “a transformational leader who can inspire a new generation.”

The outspoken lawmaker is garnering support from social media users as well, some highlighting how Black representation matters. “Representation matters. Hope he wins,” @tammyotis14 wrote.

Representation matters. Hope he wins.
— Tam-I-Am (@TammyOtis14) October 8, 2025

Even Cohen supporters said it’s time to move on.

“Nobody loves @RepCohen more than me, but the time has come,” @Memph1sT1gers said.

by Jameelah Mullen

October 9, 2025

Ageless Style: Detroit Seniors Slay The Runway For A Worthy Cause

These golden years are meant for thriving.

Metro Detroit seniors proved style has no age limit at the Senior Solutions Annual Fashion Gala. The Oct. 8 event was sponsored by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services to local seniors.

The event served multiple purposes: to help senior citizens develop and maintain social connections with one another and to raise funds for the organization.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ronald Taylor (@daaa1a)

“The goal of our GALA is to celebrate older adults and healthy aging. Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) will acknowledge their lives, lived, experiences, and things that bring them joy,” the organization notes on its website.

One model featured in the sold-out show was Randy “Big Randy” Henry, a retired WDIV Detroit news reporter who reminded audiences that the elder models “still got it.”

“We had the young phase, we was buck wild. We had the work phase, family, and kids. Now this is our time,” the 70-year-old told WXYZ News.

Held in the Michigan Central Station ballroom, the event showcased several models aged 65 or older, demonstrating their fashion sense in one of the most stylish cities in the country.

Show guest Sheryl Johnson-Fambro noted that society often overlooks the older generations. The fashion show is a way for society to challenge stereotypes and recognize the beauty and contributions of older adults.

“We are trying to combat the stereotype that somehow aging is a miserable thing to do. It is a wonderful thing to do. It’s healthy, it’s a blessing,” DAAA board member Tiffany Gunter told WXYZ News.

Established in 1980, The DAAA provides resources such as healthcare, meal services, fitness classes, and information services to seniors and adults living with disabilities, as well as support for caregivers.

The organization states that it aims to “Remove the social, economic, physical, and psychological barriers” to promote independence and accessibility for the elderly and vulnerable citizens living in the Detroit metropolitan area.