Morgan State University Unveils MultiMillion-Dollar Project
by Lauren Nutall

November 17, 2023

Morgan State University Unveils MultiMillion-Dollar Project

Morgan State University has explicitly received several new federal and private contracts and more than $40 million in research awards in the first half of 2023 alone.

Morgan State University has unveiled new plans for a Science and Research Complex, Fox 45 News reports. The $342 million project is expected to open in Fall 2027 and will be led by architects Moody Nolan, Inc., along with Cannon Design and K. Dixon Architecture. 

Morgan State University President David K. Wilson discussed the new venture as part of a years-long initiative to renovate Morgan State University and turn it into a prestigious research institution. “The visionary design for Morgan’s new Science and Research Complex represents the culmination of more than a decade-long journey to deliver a world-class academic and research facility that is commensurate with the research capacity and output that is representative of this very consequential institution,” he said. The 8-story building will span 246,000 square foot acres and be located near E. Cold Spring Lane and Stadium Way. 

Wilson announced plans to expand Morgan State University to rival the country’s top Ivy League schools earlier this year. “Our university is raising its hand and saying this is our time for Morgan to bellow across the state and nation that ‘This is how a public anchor institution can lead to a transformation of our city,’” Wilson told the Baltimore Business Journal.

Though his predecessors have made such ambitious claims before, the plans never reached fruition due to poor state funding. However, Wilson has overcome such hurdles since becoming president, as many historically Black colleges and universities in Maryland have received more endowments from the state than ever before.

Morgan State University has explicitly received several new federal and private contracts and more than $40 million in research awards in the first half of 2023 alone. These changes have been in the works for several years, and now Wilson is actively doing the work needed to create a difference.

Woman Arrested For Running Onto Tarmac To Catch Missed Flight
by Stacy Jackson

November 17, 2023

Woman Arrested For Running Onto Tarmac To Catch Missed Flight

The pilot shut the plane's engine down and the woman who ran on the tarmac was arrested by the Australian Federal Police.

A woman ran out onto the tarmac at Canberra Airport in Australia, attempting to wave down a pilot so she would not miss her flight.

The woman, who has not been identified, was arrested on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. by the Australian Federal Police, according to Business Insider. She was charged with entering an airside area or security zone without permission, damaging property, and possession of a small quantity of cannabis, a spokesperson of the AFP said according to the outlet. The woman was also refused bail. According to the outlet, police said she was scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 3. 

A passenger on the plane and witness said the entire thing was bizarre. According to 9 News, the Australian outlet that broke the story, a passenger named Simon Hales said, “She’s trying to yell at the pilot, she’s trying to get his attention and jump up, it was bizarre.”

According to the news outlet, Hales had more to say about the incident on Facebook.

A post read, “A lady who had missed her flight clearly thought she could still catch it.”

It continued, saying that the woman “pushed past the staff at the door, ran down onto the tarmac and ran up to the plane. Luckily the pilot was warned or spotted her and killed the engine.”

Another person who recorded a video of the incident was surprised that staff at the airport did not stop the woman from running onto the tarmac.

Dennis Bilic told 9 News, “People were a bit flat-footed, they didn’t seem to know what to do, that was the weird part. (We were thinking) ‘Is anyone gonna stop her?’” 

The Australian outlet noted that the flight to Adelaide was delayed by 10 minutes before things returned to normal. 

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Memphis
by Iman Milner

November 17, 2023

Michigan Man Missing Since June Found Dead, Authorities Report

Police were able to find the body of the man described by his family as a 'loving father' five months after he was reported missing

The remains of 27-year-old James Wilkins were found buried in a remote area on Nov. 14 by Michigan State police, Fox 2 News reports. With the aid of a cadaver dog, law enforcement was able to find the body of the man described by his family as a “loving father” five months after he was reported missing.

Authorities arrested Wilkins’ roommate, Donald Renfoe, in August and charged him with tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual, possession of a felony firearm, and first-degree murder. They also charged a man identified as Darius Glenn with accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Renfoe conceal the murder. Wilkins’ family reported his suspicious disappearance to police in Warren, Michigan, on June 9 after communication attempts went unanswered. Law enforcement named Renfoe a person of interest in the case early on and suspected foul play.

Yahoo News reports that Wilkins’ loved ones were devastated by his sudden disappearance.

“He does not deserve this to happen to him; he has done nothing all his life he’s been a good boy. He’s never given us problems,” his father, Reggie Edwards, said then.

During the investigation, police executed a search on Wilkins’ apartment and found a recently patched bullet hole as well as what they suspected to be blood, in addition to other items they allege pointed to Renfoe’s guilt.

“Detectives obtained additional evidence that showed that on the date of Wilkins’ disappearance, Renfoe rented cleaning equipment and purchased additional cleaning supplies from a local hardware store,” police said. “The investigation also revealed that Renfoe contacted and worked together with a male friend, Darius Glenn, to clean out Wilkins’ apartment and likely dispose of Wilkins’ body.”

Renfoe allegedly attempted to flee to Ohio before he was arrested on unrelated charges. The man faces a life sentence in prison should he be convicted of Wilkins’ murder.

RELATED CONTENT: 2 Memphis Women Arrested And Charged With Murder After Robbery Attempt

Howard Alum Secures Position As First-Ever Beyoncé Reporter
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Howard Alum Secures Position As First-Ever Beyoncé Reporter

A Howard University alum has secured the highly sought-after position as the world's first-ever Beyoncé reporter.

A Howard University alum has secured the highly sought-after position as the first-ever Beyoncé reporter.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, USA Today announced Caché McClay as the journalist assigned to exclusively cover all things Beyoncé. The seasoned entertainment journalist has worked for the likes of NBC News, BBC News, and TMZ and will now focus her efforts on Queen Bey’s concerts, business ventures, and her upcoming Renaissance film documenting her world tour.

The established journalist and proud Bey Hive member is excited to embark on the first-of-its-kind position.

“I’m honored to be in this position. I’m so excited to get down to the nitty-gritty of Beyoncé,” McClay says.

“She is such a renowned name in our culture, in the industry around the world. And there’s so much content to uncover with her. So I’m honored to be able to laser focus on those things one step at a time.”

“I grew up in a Beyoncé household, and her melodies were often my alarm on Saturday mornings — and certainly on the playlist for my family’s weekly cleaning rituals,” McKay continued. “Moreover, I saw firsthand the impact Beyoncé had on my mom and sister as Black women, and that trickled down to me. Not only were we moved by her music, but we were moved by her remarkable worldwide achievements.”

The position and one for Taylor Swift received widespread media attention when it was announced in September. In addition to McKay, Gannett, USA Today, and The Tennessean’s parent company also hired journalist Bryan West as the newspaper network’s dedicated Taylor Swift reporter.

McKay will be busy as Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé is set to hit theaters on Dec. 1. The film follows the global superstar as she performs her hit songs in live shows throughout Europe and the U.S.A. and discusses the creative process behind her world tour.

RELATED CONTENT: Morgan State Heads To Howard University Saturday With Shot At MEAC Title On The Line

Kamala Harris
by Sharelle Burt

November 17, 2023

Kamala Harris Gets Confused When Reporter Asks About Biden Picking Her For Running Mate Because She’s Black

"He chose a Black woman, that woman is me," Vice President Kamala Harris said.

An interview with the New York Times went left when the reporter asked Vice President Kamala Harris about the theory of President Biden picking her to run with him because she’s Black, Fox News reports.

Times reporter Astead Herndon sat down with Harris in Chicago for an episode of the Run Up podcast. The conversation began with questions about the 2020 presidential election and when it was announced she would be the running mate. Joe Biden had publicly committed to naming a woman as his running mate, but numerous Democrats put pressure on him to specifically name a Black woman. Herndon wanted her opinion on the narrative.

“He came to the decision that he needed to choose a Black woman,” Herndon said. “While that is obviously about you, it’s not necessarily you personally, but your identity. How should it matter, does it matter that that narrative has existed, that Biden needed to choose someone who was a Black person, and should it matter?”

Harris said she didn’t understand the question.

“Does it matter that, that kind of narrative around Biden needed to choose a Black woman as a running mate still exists, and has hovered over that selection?” Herndon asked again. 

Harris was then able to give a response—kind of.

“It happened. I don’t think, I honestly don’t understand your question. Has it lingered?” she said. “He chose a Black woman, that woman is me, so I don’t know that anything lingers about what he should choose. He has chosen, he asked me to join him on the ticket.”

Herndon then focused his interview around the viewpoints from Democratic voters. According to the New York Times, voters’ concerns point to preparation of Harris running for President as Biden’s advancing age continues to be a factor.

Fellow Democratic lawmakers, like Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA), find the questioning of Harris’ race troubling.

“It’s disrespectful,” Butler told the Times. “And the thing that makes it more disrespectful is that we’re talking about a historic VP who has been a high-quality partner and asset to the country at a time when everything is at stake. Right now is the time to respect what she’s done and what she brings.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Says She’s Not Worried About Concerns Over Biden’s Age

Mom of 6-Year-Old Who Shot Virginia Teacher Sentenced to 21 Months In Prison
by Stacy Jackson

November 17, 2023

Mom of 6-Year-Old Who Shot Virginia Teacher Sentenced to 21 Months In Prison

The mother pleaded guilty to two felonies in June; the 6-year-old boy has not been charged in the shooting

The mother of a 6-year-old boy who was accused of shooting his teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia earlier this year was sentenced to nearly two years in prison.

Deja Taylor was charged with using marijuana while in possession of a firearm and making a false statement about her drug use when she purchased the firearm, ABC News reported. She will serve 21 months in prison for the federal charges that she pleaded guilty to in June.

According to the outlet, Taylor’s weapon had also been fired in a prior incident—where police were not called. Taylor had shot at her son’s father after seeing his girlfriend, according to text messages between the boy’s parents. There were no injuries.

Prosecutors said in court filings that “not once, but twice someone nearly lost their lives because of Taylor’s offenses of conviction.”

Taylor was also referred to as a “marijuana abuser, whose chronic, persistent and, indeed, life-affecting abuse extends this case far beyond any occasional and/or recreational use,” according to court filings.

The 6-year-old boy bragged about shooting his teacher Abigail “Abby” Zwerner back in January, BBC News reported. The outlet noted that unsealed court documents revealed that the young boy said, “I [shot] her dead.” Zwerner, who survived, was wounded in the hand and chest.

“Not only do I bear physical scars from the shooting that will remain with me forever, I contend daily with deep, psychological scars that plague me during most waking moments and invade my dreams,” Zwerner said during the sentencing hearing. 

Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district accusing it of negligence because the boy apparently had a “history of random violence.” According to BBC News, a retired educator said the boy had choked “her to the point she could not breathe” when he was in kindergarten.

After the shooting, The Washington Post reported the boy confessed to another teacher, Amy Kovac, that “he had gotten his mom’s gun the night before and put it in his backpack.” 

The boy has not been charged. 

RELATED CONTENT: Middle School Violence: Student Arrested for Aggravated Battery

Arizona Strangers Brought Together By Text Message Mistake Partner With Airbnb For 8th Annual Thanksgiving Tradition
by Iman Milner

November 17, 2023

Arizona Strangers Brought Together By Text Message Mistake Partner With Airbnb For 8th Annual Thanksgiving Tradition

The pair are inviting two other strangers this year for Thanksgiving through an Airbnb promo

Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench went viral in 2016 after a text message sent to the wrong number led to a Thanksgiving dinner invite. Eight years later, the pair are continuing their annual tradition with some major help from Airbnb, The Associated Press reports.

“Exciting news, guys — our Thanksgiving year 8 plans are with you!” Hinton shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, alongside a photo of the beloved pair. “With @airbnb’s help, we’re hosting you and a friend at Wanda’s home this year.”

A room in Dench’s home has been listed on the popular site, which will house one lucky person for an overnight stay following Thanksgiving dinner. Guests must pay to travel to Arizona; however, the booking charge to sign up for the fun is only $16. Yahoo News reports that Airbnb plans to make a one-time donation to Feeding America with the funds.

“Some may recognize us from our viral text mishap that led to our first Thanksgiving together back in 2016. And eight years later, we’re practically family,” the Airbnb listing reads. “To commemorate our lasting friendship, we’re excited to become Airbnb hosts and welcome new guests into our holiday tradition, creating meaningful connections in the process.”

The booking includes a seat at Dench’s table for a holiday meal alongside Hinton, a night of board games, festive movies, exchanging stories, and, of course, participation in the pair’s annual selfie.

“I said from the jump of our first Thanksgiving that I always wanted to have more people join our Thanksgiving and be able to celebrate with us and have the amount of fun that we have together,” Hinton said.

Hinton and Dench’s unusual origin story has been a cherished social media tradition for nearly a decade; there were even rumors of a potential Netflix special dedicated to their friendship in 2021. Though there has been no word on the status of that project, Hinton and Dench continue to be an annual reason to smile during the holiday season.

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Prosecution Says Jordan Neely Was Held In Chokehold By Former Marine After He ‘Ceased All Purposeful Movement’ In NYC Subway Incident
by Iman Milner

November 17, 2023

Prosecution Says Jordan Neely Was Held In Chokehold By Former Marine After He ‘Ceased All Purposeful Movement’ In NYC Subway Incident

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass filed a motion establishing Penny's lethal actions as 'unnecessary.'

Prosecutors in the case of former U.S. Marine Daniel Penny, who allegedly killed Jordan Neely on an NYC subway by holding him in a six-minute chokehold, claim that Neely was held for over one minute after he “ceased all purposeful movement,” CNN reports. On Nov. 15, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass filed a motion to establish Penny’s lethal actions as “unnecessary.”

“The evidence before the grand jury establishes that Jordan Neely transitioned from life to the throes of death during the precise moments that he was being held in a chokehold by the defendant,” the filing states. Steinglass also alleges that Penny’s actions were not motivated by “rampant and universal panic” as presented by his defense team and that witness accounts of the day differed from those of the suspect.

“Many witnesses relayed that Mr. Neely expressed that he was homeless, hungry, and thirsty. Most recount that Mr. Neely indicated a willingness to go to jail or prison,” he said.

Penny’s attorneys have asked that the case be dismissed due to the threat Neely posed to fellow passengers. They also allege that Penny’s “restraint” of the 30-year-old man was not a chokehold and did not employ continuous pressure to his neck, ABC News reports.

“The prosecution also omits mention of the numerous eyewitnesses who described how Neely violently resisted the attempt to restrain him,” Penny’s defense attorney Thomas Kenniff said.

Steinglass asserts that Penny’s actions after Neely appeared to be “twitching” and displaying “the kind of agonal movement that you see around death” were, at best, reckless, which is foundational to his charge of second-degree manslaughter.

“The notion that death is not a foreseeable consequence of squeezing someone’s neck for six minutes is beyond the pale,” he said.

Penny pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 6.

RELATED CONTENT: Ex-Marine Charged With Jordan Neely’s Death Released After Pleading Not Guilty & Bailing Out For $100k

Former ESPN Pundit Jason Whitlock Throws Shade At Colorado Football Coach Deion Sanders
by Derek Major

November 17, 2023

Former ESPN Pundit Jason Whitlock Throws Shade At Colorado Football Coach Deion Sanders

Former ESPN pundit and current Fox Sports Radio host Jason Whitlock continued his attacks on Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders

Former ESPN pundit and current Fox Sports Radio host Jason Whitlock continued his attacks on Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, comparing him to Lavar Ball.

“If LaVar Ball had coached his sons in college, this is what it would look like,” Whitlock said, according to Sports Illustrated. “Deion is nothing more than LaVar Ball with someone who is foolish enough to give him $5-$6 million to coach their team.”

Ball, the outspoken father of NBA stars Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, became a well-known name in sports as CEO of the Big Baller Brand and pushed his sons to the Lakers and Knicks franchises.

Sanders’ Buffaloes got off to a hot start this season with big wins over TCU and Colorado State as a bevy of celebrities attended their games and praised him as a great coach ready to turn around a program that had just one win last year.

However, the team and Sanders have returned to earth and are now in second to last place in the PAC-12 conference at 4-5 overall and 1-6 in the conference. The Buffaloes are also in danger of not qualifying for a bowl game.

Whitlock has attacked Sanders numerous times, calling him a false God and saying the former Dallas Cowboy has no idea what he’s doing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQD1QS0FvwQ

Sanders has taken ownership of Colorado’s shortcomings this season, telling the media in September, “You better get me right now, this is the worst we’re going to be, you better get me right now, ’cause I like what I see.”

Once a well-respected sports journalist, Whitlock is no stranger to courting controversy and criticizing people seemingly unbothered by him, including ESPN host Stephen A. Smith and football analyst Mina Kimes. 

Colorado can become bowl-eligible if they win their next two games against Washington State and No. 16-ranked Utah. The Buffaloes’ offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who’s been sacked 45 times this season. Additionally, the Buffaloe’s defense has had difficulty stopping opponents, giving up an average of 33.9 points per game this season. 

The struggles of Colorado are expected, considering this is Sanders’ first year at the helm and the major overhaul the team went through entering this season. After Sanders was hired, he immediately replaced 41 scholarship players, adding 46 new players to the team.

RELATED CONTENT: Coach Prime Deion Sanders Scores Guinness World Record With Massive Football Lesson

Kid Cudi, Diddy, Cassie
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2023

Kid Cudi Confirms Cassie’s Story That Diddy Allegedly Blew Up His Car

The "Day 'n' Nite" rapper says, “This is all true"

Former “Bad Boy” recording artist Cassie has filed a lawsuit against her former boyfriend and label owner, Sean “Diddy” Combs. In one of her accusations, she claimed that Diddy allegedly blew up the car of an artist that she was seeing at the time. Kid Cudi has confirmed that her version of events.

According to The Huffington Post, in the lawsuit that Cassandra Ventura, aka Cassie, filed, she stated that Diddy purportedly threatened to blow up Kid Cudi’s car, and shortly after that, his car allegedly exploded in the driveway of his residence. This took place in 2012.

“In February 2012 … Mr. Combs told Ms. Ventura that he was going to blow up Kid Cudi’s car and that he wanted to ensure that Kid Cudi was home with his friends when it happened,” the complaint says. “Around that time, Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway. Ms. Ventura was terrified as she began to fully comprehend what Mr. Combs was both willing and able to do to those he believed had slighted him.”

In a statement published by The New York Times, through a spokesperson, the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper stated, “This is all true.”

Social media users on X, formerly known as Twitter, reacted to the news of Diddy carrying out this alleged act.

An old post from Gavin Godfrey was seen on the site, confirming that this isn’t the first time this story has been told. The post is from 2014.

Some users took to humor with their posts.

There’s an ironic twist to the next post since Diddy dressed as the Joker for Halloween last year.

“After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” Cassie said in a statement.

The New York Times reported that she filed the suit in Federal District Court in Manhattan and claimed the abuse against her started not long after meeting Diddy in 2005 when she was 19.

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