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  • Unbothered Obamas Ignore Trump’s Trolling As Kamala Harris & Hakeem Jeffries Accuse White House Of ‘Cover-Up’ Over Racist Ape Video

    Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama broke their public silence for the first time since President Donald Trump faced backlash for sharing a racist, AI-generated video depicting them as apes. Yet, they made no reference to the controversy.

    Source: Anadolu / Getty

    According to Newsweek, the Obamas instead used their social media platforms Friday evening to express support for U.S. athletes competing in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, choosing not to engage with the uproar surrounding the since-deleted video. Their decision came just hours after Trump removed the clip from his Truth Social account and later defended the post without offering an apology.

    Barack Obama congratulated Team USA in a post on X, writing that he and Michelle were proud of the athletes’ “talent and perseverance” and would be cheering them on. Michelle Obama echoed that message, calling the athletes’ journeys to the world stage “inspiring” as they competed in Italy. The omission was striking given that the video backlash dominated political conversation throughout the week.

    While the Obamas stayed silent, Democratic leaders escalated their criticism, accusing the White House of attempting to shield the president from accountability.

    Harris: ‘No One Believes This Cover-Up’

    Former Vice President Kamala Harris directly challenged the White House’s explanation, accusing the administration of a cover-up after officials blamed a staffer for posting the video.

    According to The Hill, Harris wrote on X that “no one believes this cover-up from the White House, especially since they originally defended the post,” adding that the incident only reinforced what the public already knows about Trump’s beliefs.

    The White House previously told The Hill that a staffer had “erroneously made the post,” a claim that followed initial public defense of the video by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who described it as an “internet meme” related to The Lion King.

    The explanation did little to quiet criticism.

    Jeffries Calls Video ‘Intentional,’ Urges GOP Leaders to Act

    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries went further, arguing that the video was posted deliberately and demanding that Republican leadership denounce the president.

    In an Instagram post and accompanying video cited by The Hill, Jeffries called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson to take a stand, warning that continued silence amounted to complicity.

    “This disgusting video, posted by the so-called president, was done intentionally,” Jeffries said, adding, “F— Donald Trump and his vile, racist, and malignant behavior.” He praised the Obamas as “brilliant, caring and patriotic Americans” while labeling Trump a “serial fraudster.”

    Jeffries also condemned Republican lawmakers who continued to support Trump, writing that “every Republican sycophant who continues to stand by their cult leader should be run out of office.”

    Bipartisan Condemnation and Trump’s Defense

    Despite Jeffries’ accusations, some Republicans joined Democrats in condemning the video. Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate and a close Trump ally, described the depiction of the Obamas as “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House” and called for its removal. The post was scrubbed from Truth Social roughly two hours later.

    Trump later confirmed aboard Air Force One that he spoke with Scott, claiming he had only seen the beginning of the video and thought “it was fine.” He said he “of course” condemned the offensive imagery but insisted he did not make a mistake in having the video posted.

    Other Republicans, including Representatives Mike Lawler and Brian Fitzpatrick, as well as Senators Susan Collins and Roger Wicker, also raised concerns.

    Silence as Strategy

    As criticism mounted, the Obamas’ refusal to engage became a statement of its own. Journalist Ahmed Hussein observed on X that rather than being “dragged into Trump’s provocation,” Obama “chose dignity over distraction,” redirecting the moment toward unity and leadership.

    What remains unresolved is whether the staffer blamed for posting the video will face any disciplinary action. For now, the administration has offered no further clarification.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Run’ Venezuela After Military Strike Captures President Nicolás Maduro

    President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will temporarily “run” Venezuela following a large-scale U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

    Source: JIM WATSON / Getty

    According to NBC News, Trump announced the decision during a press conference in Florida, where he stated the U.S. would take control of the country until a leadership transition is implemented.

    “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said. “And it has to be judicious, because that’s what we’re all about.”

    CNN states that Trump did not provide a timeline for how long the U.S. would remain in control, nor did he outline how governance would function beyond military and economic oversight.

    How the U.S. Military Operation Unfolded

    According to NBC News, the operation that led to Maduro’s capture was approved by Trump more than a week in advance but was delayed several times due to adverse weather conditions.

    NBC reports Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said Trump gave the final order at 10:46 p.m. ET Friday night.

    “Weather in Venezuela is always a factor this time of year,” Caine said. “The men and women of the United States military sat ready, patiently waiting for the right triggers to be met and the president to order us into action.”

    NBC News reports U.S. forces arrived at Maduro’s compound by 1:01 a.m. ET Saturday and exited Venezuelan airspace by 3:29 a.m. with Maduro and Flores in custody. NewsOne reports critics call his capture an “illegal kidnapping” and the attack “immoral and irresponsible.”

    Per CNN, more than 150 aircraft were deployed during the mission. Trump said no U.S. troops or equipment were lost, describing the operation as highly effective. Maduro and Flores were dragged from their bedroom by elite U.S. forces during the overnight raid.

    What Happens to Maduro Now?

    Trump confirmed that Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where Maduro is expected to face long-standing drug and weapons charges.

    According to NBC News, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro has been indicted on charges including narco terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

    “They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said.

    Federal prosecutors allege Maduro “is at the forefront” of a corruption network that trafficked thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States.

    “I’ve seen what we have,” Trump said. “It’s both horrible and breathtaking that something like this could have been allowed to take place for many years.”

    Trump’s Plan for Venezuela and Its Oil

    CNN states Trump said the U.S. will take control of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and allow American oil companies to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the country’s energy sector.

    “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” Trump said.

    CNN also reports that Trump said U.S. troops would “have a presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil,” adding that oil revenue would be used to reimburse both Venezuelans and the United States.

    “It won’t cost us anything,” Trump said. “The money coming out of the ground is very substantial.”

    According to NBC News, Trump said the U.S. military is prepared to carry out a second and larger attack if necessary.

    “We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so,” Trump said.

    Political Pushback and Constitutional Questions

    NBC News states that Democratic lawmakers criticized the operation for being carried out without congressional authorization.

    “Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization,” Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said.

    Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York called the operation unconstitutional.

    “Trump’s actions are completely illegal and unconstitutional,” Nadler said. “This grave abuse of power has put American troops in harm’s way and threatens wider conflict in the region.”

    According to NBC News, Trump dismissed the criticism during a phone interview with Fox News.

    “As far as last night is concerned, it was really genius,” Trump said. “The Democrats all they do is complain.”

    Global Reaction and What Comes Next

    According to Hip Hop Wired, Venezuelan officials accused the United States of targeting civilian and military locations and denounced the strike as “military aggression.”

    Russia condemned the operation and pledged support for Venezuela ahead of an emergency United Nations meeting.

    “The pretexts cited to justify these actions are untenable,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said. “We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people.”

    As of now, Trump has not clarified how long the United States intends to govern Venezuela or how power will ultimately be transferred, leaving major questions unanswered as the situation continues to develop.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • Jasmine Crockett Says Kamala Harris Encourages Her Senate Run, Warns Her To Stay Safe

    The Texas congresswoman says safety concerns have shaped conversations with Kamala Harris and Senate colleagues as she campaigns statewide. Rep. Jasmine Crockett says former Vice President Kamala Harris personally encouraged her to run for the U.S. Senate, while also stressing the importance of her safety amid a growing climate of political hostility.

    Source: James Manning – PA Images/Omar Vega

    Crockett shared the details during an appearance on the Native Land Pod with host Angela Rye. There, she explained that Harris framed the Senate run as a matter of national service. 

    According to Crockett, Harris told her,

    “The country needs you.” 

    Also emphasized that she must remain as safe as possible throughout the process.

    “My Biggest Concern Is Your Safety”

    According to theGrio, Harris’ warning was not an isolated moment. Crockett says she has had similar conversations with current members of the U.S. Senate. Specifically, one unnamed senator expressed confidence in her ability to win yet urging her not to put herself in unnecessary danger.

    “My biggest concern is your safety,” Crockett recalled the senator saying. “I don’t want you to become a sacrificial lamb.”

    Those concerns have led Crockett to take concrete security measures. She confirmed that she is currently in the process of being fitted for a bulletproof vest and said she would not continue her Senate run without proper protection in place.

    A “Sad Reality” For Black Leaders In Public Office

    According to theGrio, Crockett described the need for heightened security as “a sad reality.” She reflects on the threats she faces while entering national politics.

    She acknowledged that safety risks have long been part of public service for Black leaders in particular, noting that the dangers she faces are not new but deeply rooted in the history of American politics. In theGrio, Crockett pointed to the courage of those who came before her while recognizing that visibility often comes at a cost.

    Senate Run Sparks Excitement and Skepticism

    Crockett officially announced her Senate campaign earlier this month. While her decision has been met with enthusiasm from supporters, it has also drawn skepticism from anonymous Democratic voices questioning whether her run is viable in Texas or premature.

    When asked about critics who believe she is moving too soon, Crockett pushed back on the idea that timing is applied equally.

    In theGrio, she told Rye,

     “It’s hard to define what too soon looks like when you’re talking to someone like me.”

    She added that for many Black women, the moment is often perpetually delayed. Crockett emphasizes that for some candidates, especially Black women, the standard of readiness is never fully granted.

    “The Time Would Never Arrive”

    Crockett compares her Senate bid to the current political climate, noting that Texas has never elected a Black woman to the U.S. Senate.

    She also highlights the rarity of Black women in the chamber nationwide. According to theGrio, Crockett points out that Kamala Harris was only the second Black woman ever sworn into the U.S. Senate. 

    Women like Crockett are still disrupting the systemic barriers that continue to shape political representation.

    Safety Concerns Are Nothing New

    Crockett has previously spoken openly about receiving death threats and how the current political climate has reshaped her daily life.

    Recall that during Harris’ campaign office in Arizona was shot at three times in a month? Or even when a white nationalist hate group made threats at a Stacey Abrams campaign event? It gets real out here.

    She notes that even during her years working in criminal defense, she never experienced the level of fear she now faces as an elected official. According to theGrio, the escalation of threats has forced her to rethink how she navigates public spaces and political engagement.

    Still Standing, Still Running

    Despite the risks, Crockett remains committed to continuing her Senate campaign.

    She credits encouragement from leaders like Harris as affirmation that her candidacy is not only viable but necessary. Even at a moment defined by political volatility and heightened danger.

    For Black women in politics, ambition is frequently accompanied by a calculation of personal safety. In choosing to move forward anyway, Crockett is not just chasing a seat, she is confronting the cost of visibility while insisting on her right to serve.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • Kayla Bryant: Viral Clip of Clark Atlanta Student Shows Her Being Strangled By Morehouse Student

    According to statements released by two Atlanta University Center schools, officials are investigating a violent incident involving Clark Atlanta University student Kayla Bryant, who says she was attacked, strangled, and threatened by a Morehouse College student after stepping off a campus shuttle near her apartment. The encounter has ignited widespread anger across the AUC as students demand accountability.

    Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty

    Bryant posted a now-viral video detailing the incident on TikTok, and additional clips of the aftermath continue to circulate across X.

    Kayla Says A Couple Followed Her Off The Shuttle, And The Man “Started Choking Me”

    Bryant said she boarded the campus shuttle Thursday as she normally does. In her TikTok video, she explained that she sat in the back and was listening to music when a couple got on and took the seats in front of her.

    According to Bryant, the male student stepped on her foot as she was exiting. When she asked for an apology, she said the girlfriend confronted her and accused her of being “all up in my face.”

    Bryant said, “She mushes me on my face and I try to swing back.” That is when she says the male student grabbed her by the neck.

    “He picks me up off the ground and starts strangling me,” she said. “I could not breathe. He is telling me he is going to kill me.”

    She said she was slammed into the walls while trying to regain her balance. Bryant says she escaped with a bruised face and knee. According to Facebook threads, the incident allegedly occurred at Legacy at Centennial Apartments at 130 Luckie Street, a location that AUC students in the comments identified as an off-campus housing complex.

    Online Users Claim To Have Identified The Couple In The Viral Video

    Bryant said she shared the video so the public could help identify the individuals involved. “I put this online so y’all could help me,” she said.

    According to social media users, commenters on TikTok and X claim the individuals seen in the video are AUC students. Their names have circulated widely as students crowdsource information and attempt to verify who was involved.

    BOSSIP is not identifying either person as a suspect. Police have not publicly confirmed the identities of the man or woman, and no arrests have been announced.

    Morehouse Calls The Behavior “Disappointing And Completely Inconsistent” With Its Values

    According to an official statement posted by Morehouse College on Facebook, the school said it was made aware of the video on Friday and immediately began reviewing the matter through its student conduct process.

    Morehouse said the behavior seen in the video is “disappointing and completely inconsistent with Morehouse’s mission, values, and expectations of its community members.”

    The college said its Campus Safety and Student Services teams “responded swiftly” and are working closely with Clark Atlanta University leadership and the Atlanta Police Department to investigate the incident and reach a “just resolution.”

    Officials added that privacy laws limit what can be shared publicly, but the school will “take all necessary steps to address this issue with urgency, fairness, and care for all involved.”

    Clark Atlanta Confirms It Is Working With The Student, Her Family, And Police

    According to an official statement posted by Clark Atlanta University on Facebook, the school confirmed it is aware of the video circulating online and verified that the incident took place off campus.

    Here is the full statement:

    “Clark Atlanta University is aware of the video circulating on social media and can confirm that the alleged incident took place off campus. While this incident occurred outside Clark Atlanta University’s boundaries, the safety and security of all Clark Atlanta University students remains the top priority.

    The Clark Atlanta University Department of Public Safety is in communication with the student, their family, Morehouse College Department of Public Safety, and the Atlanta Police Department to address this situation with both care and urgency.

    Clark Atlanta University appreciates your concern for the well-being of our students.”

    The school said it will continue assisting law enforcement and offering support to Bryant.

    Police Are Actively Searching For The Couple

    Bryant said officers are looking for both individuals. She also said she shared her TikTok to help identify the couple and to warn other students.

    The investigation remains ongoing. Both Clark Atlanta and Morehouse have stated they will continue cooperating with authorities.

    BOSSIP will update this story as more information becomes available.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • Trump Softens Toward Mamdani As Congress Moves To Condemn Socialism

    Hours after the United States House of Representatives approved a bipartisan resolution denouncing what it called the “horrors of socialism,” New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani arrived in Washington for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, a moment between two politicians who spent months trading insults.

    Source: JIM WATSON / Getty

    According to Time, reporters entered the Oval Office on Friday and found Trump seated at his desk with Mamdani standing beside him, both smiling as they described a productive discussion centered on affordability, public safety, and building more housing in New York City. Time reports Trump said,

    “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him.”

    Mamdani told reporters the meeting emphasized their “shared purpose” in serving New Yorkers facing a cost-of-living crisis. Time also states the exchange turned briefly tense when a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still considered Trump a fascist, but Trump diffused the moment, laughing and saying,

    “That is ok, you can just say yes.”

    CONGRESS MOVES AGAINST SOCIALISM WHILE MAMDANI STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT

    CBS News reports the House approved the resolution by a vote of 285 to 98. The resolution states that Congress “denounces socialism in all its forms.” Its timing coincided directly with Mamdani’s arrival in Washington for the meeting with Trump.

    Eighty-six Democrats voted alongside Republicans, including New York members Hakeem Jeffries, Ritchie Torres, Greg Meeks, Grace Meng, Laura Gillen, and Tom Suozzi.

    Two Democrats voted present.

    In CBS News, Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis supported the measure and said her mother fled Cuba to escape “the very things that our new socialist mayor in New York City says he wants.”

    Standing beside Trump after their Oval Office meeting, Mamdani dismissed the resolution’s relevance. CBS News quotes him saying,

    “I focused very little on resolutions. I have been focusing on the work at hand.”

    DEMOCRATS CROSS THE AISLE, BUT THE MOMENT STILL BELONGS TO MAMDANI

    Eighty-six Democratic yes votes did not overshadow Mamdani’s stance.

    Newsweek via MSN reports the full list of Democratic supporters totaled 86 names across California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and other states. The outlet notes the vote reflected internal Democratic tension over Mamdani’s rise, with some members fearing Republican attacks on socialism heading into the 2026 midterms.

    The article quotes Mamdani again, saying that during the White House news conference,

    “There might be differences about ideology, but the place of agreement is the work that needs to be done to make New York City affordable.”

    THE MAMDANI EFFECT FLIPS GOP TALKING POINTS UPSIDE DOWN

    Trump publicly defends the democratic socialist Republicans planned to attack.

    According to AP News, Trump’s embrace of Mamdani disrupted a key GOP messaging plan that cast Mamdani as a symbol of the Democratic Party’s shift leftward. AP News reports Trump rejected claims from Republican Elise Stefanik that Mamdani is a “jihadist,” telling reporters,

    “I just met with a man who is a very rational person. The better he does, the happier I am,” adding that he would be comfortable living again in a Mamdani led New York.

    Trump even offered unexpected praise for Bernie Sanders, saying the two agreed on more than people realized. The Oval Office remarks marked a significant shift from Trump’s earlier attacks on Mamdani, which sources confirm included calling him a “communist lunatic” and threatening to cut federal funding if he won.

    AFFORDABILITY BECOMES THE MEETING POINT — AND MAMDANI OWNS THE MESSAGE

    Both men lean into the issue Mamdani used to win New York.

    AP News reports Trump used the meeting to emphasize affordability, a core theme of Mamdani’s campaign. Trump said,

    “Anything I do is going to be good for New York if I can get prices down.”

    He added that affordability and groceries were “the new words” shaping his economic message, even as AP News notes inflation has reached three percent annually.

    Mamdani repeatedly tied his victory to voters who crossed party lines because of cost-of-living issues. Time reports he said,

    “There were more New Yorkers who voted for President Trump in the most recent presidential election because of that focus on cost of living.”

    A BOOST TO MAMDANI’S AGENDA AS TRUMP WARMS UP

    AP News notes the meeting may ease fears among Mamdani’s supporters that Trump would retaliate against his election. Trump previously threatened to deploy the National Guard in New York and considered withholding federal funds. The outlets shares that after the meeting Trump said,

    “I want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job.”

    Critics speculate that support from the president may give Mamdani more room to pursue policy goals like universal free childcare and expanded affordability programs, which require significant funding and stability.

    THE BOTTOM LINE: THE MAMDANI EFFECT IS REAL

    On a day Congress tried to condemn socialism, the democratic socialist in the Oval Office set the tone.

    Sources say Mamdani left Washington with something unusual for a mayor elect who campaigned against the sitting president: a handshake, televised praise, and evidence that even his fiercest critics may be responding to the momentum behind him.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • ‘We Ain’t Buying It!’ Black Voters Matter Co-Founder LaTosha Brown Issues National Call For Black Friday Boycott

    As shopping dominates the reason for the holiday season, LaTosha Brown wants Black consumers to save 100% off with an economic protest of retailers who take us for granted. Inspired by the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown is launching the “We Ain’t Buying It” campaign to “turn protest into power and our wallets into weapons for change.”

    Source: We Ain’t Buying It / We Ain’t Buying It

    Money talks, and the Black Voters Matter co-founder knows a blackout on spending at major corporations from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday will speak in a language those in power can’t help but hear loud and clear. This coming week, she wants to make our dollars count by only investing in businesses that invest in the community. The movement takes aim at some of the biggest names in the holiday shopping game to send a meaningful message.

    LaTosha Brown exclusively told NewsOne, “20 – 40% of retail sales happen on one weekend that starts with Black Friday. Look Black folks, if they want to call it Black Friday, let’s show them what a Black Friday really looks like.”

    Brown’s rallying call, “We Ain’t Buying It,” refers to divesting from harmful policies and institutions as much as the companies that support them.

    “We ain’t buying this foolishness. We’re not buying this racism. We’re not buying the abandonment of DEI. We’re not buying that the wealthiest country in the world cannot take care of its own citizens, but can take money to build golden dining rooms. We’re not buying from companies that won’t stand with us,” Brown said.

    According to weaintbuyingit.com “This action is taking direct aim at Target, for caving to this administration’s biased attacks on DEI; Home Depot, for allowing and colluding with ICE to kidnap our neighbors on their properties; and Amazon, for funding this administration to secure their own corporate tax cuts.”

    How To Participate In The “We Ain’t Buying It” Movement

    We Ain't Buying It Flyers
    Source: We Ain’t Buying It / We Ain’t Buying It

    We Ain’t Buying It “urges African Americans to use economic pressure to demand respect from companies that profit from our culture but abandon our communities.”

    The steps to participate in this movement are simple.

    Full Blackout: No purchases from Target, Amazon or Home Depot from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. Instead of spending money, focus on spending time with loved ones.

    Redirect Spending: Skip the companies undermining democracy. Shop small, local, or with businesses affirming our humanity for Small Business Saturday.

    Join the Movement: Pledge to be a conscious consumer.

    Amplify: Spread the word. Share the message in conversation and online.

    The website also provides a toolkit of resources to get informed, get involved, and get others down for the cause.

    We Ain’t Buying It Continues The Legacy of The Montgomery Bus Boycott As The 70th Anniversary Falls On Cyber Monday

    Although the heart of “We Ain’t Buying It takes place from Nov. 27 – Dec. 1, the brief boycott is bigger than this moment. It is a continuation of the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, which used collective economic action to demand change.

    Cyber Monday, the annual peak of online shopping, also marks the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott on Dec. 1. Brown seeks to remind everyone who enjoys rights from those sacrifices that “the road to freedom isn’t finished — it’s evolving.”

    Brown and the We Ain’t Buying It movement “call on a new generation to carry the torch of courage, community, and change.” The iconic example from Montgomery was far from the easiest or most convenient choice in a community where few households had cars. It wasn’t an impulsive action by Civil Rights legend Rosa Parks; it was a weeks-long strategic sacrifice from a community united for a common cause of dignity, equality, and justice.

    It’s long overdue for the U.S. to do right by the Black community and as long as the biggest institutions and corporations refuse… WE AIN’T BUYING IT!

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  • Double Trouble: Two Federal Judges Rule Trump Administration Must Keep SNAP Funded During Shutdown

    Two separate federal judges ruled Friday that the Trump administration must continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite the ongoing government shutdown, rejecting the administration’s claim that it could not use contingency funds to keep the program running.

    Source: Anadolu / Getty

    According to NewsOne, the rulings were issued almost simultaneously in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, ordering the administration to draw from emergency reserves to ensure millions of Americans continue receiving food benefits during the shutdown. The decisions came just one day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) planned to suspend all SNAP payments due to a lack of funding.

    SNAP’s Scale and Cost

    SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, provides monthly benefits for groceries to low-income individuals and families. In NewsOne via ABC7, reports state that it costs roughly $8 billion per month to fund the program nationwide. In fiscal year 2024, SNAP spending totaled about $100.3 billion, just 1.5% of overall federal spending.

    The program serves one in eight Americans, with 39% of recipients being children, 20% elderly, and 10% nonelderly individuals with disabilities, making it a critical safety net during times of economic uncertainty.

    NewsOne states a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general and governors from 25 states, along with the District of Columbia, sued the administration over its plan to freeze payments. The group argued that the government has a legal obligation to maintain SNAP operations, even during a funding lapse.

    The Trump administration maintained that it was barred from using a $5 billion contingency fund, reversing a previous USDA policy that had approved such use. State officials disagreed, insisting that the money was both permissible and necessary to prevent harm to recipients. They also cited a separate $23 billion reserve that could be used to extend benefits further if needed.

    Court Orders

    According to NewsOne, in Rhode Island, a federal judge ruled from the bench that the administration must immediately tap the contingency funds to cover November benefits and provide a compliance update by Monday.

    A Massachusetts-based judge issued a similar order, giving the administration until the same date to report whether SNAP would be partially or fully funded using available federal reserves. Both decisions compel the administration to sustain food assistance payments through the shutdown.

    Uncertainty Ahead

    While the rulings represent a significant short-term win for states and families dependent on SNAP, NewsOne notes that the Trump administration is expected to appeal both decisions. Even if it complies with the judges’ orders, it remains unclear when funds will appear on SNAP debit cards.

    For now, the courts have ordered the administration to act but with an appeal likely, millions of households could still face anxiety over whether their next month’s benefits will arrive on time.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • Love Island USA Drama: Huda Mustafa Apologizes To Olandria Carthen Over N-Word Controversy, Announces Donation To NAACP

    Huda Mustafa has issued an apology to Olandria Carthen, which comes after she laughed at a fan on a livestream who called her former castmate the n-word.

    Source: Gilbert Flores / XNY/Star Max

    Huda and her boyfriend Louis Russell, who appeared on season 3 of Netflix’s Perfect Match, laughed when a caller used the racial slur on a recent livestream. After posting an initial statement on Tuesday, October 28, insisting they didn’t hear what was said, Huda shared an apology on Wednesday to “more fully take accountability for my actions.”

    “I want to begin by saying I completely respect Olandria, and it’s extremely disheartening that anyone, especially a presumed child, would find it excusable to use this type of language, and doing so only underlines the ignorance of the gravity that such a word carries,” Huda began.

    “Olandria — it is now clear that this comment was targeted at you, and I apologize for my immediate reaction. My reaction in that moment came from being caught off guard, not from finding the word or situation funny,” she continued. “It was a nervous, uncomfortable reaction that I recognize was inappropriate. I want to be clear that I do not condone or tolerate anyone who uses such language, and I strongly encourage the individual responsible to reflect deeply on their words and the harm they’ve caused.”

    Huda went on to say she would be making a “personal donation to the NAACP” and encouraged others to do the same.

    As previously reported, this comes after a statement from Olandria on Wednesday, who reacted to the controversial livestream in her own statement posted to her Instagram Stories. It was there that she encouraged those involved to put their money where their mouths are and donate to organizations dedicated to uplifting the Black community.

    “I do not condone racism of any kind, nor do I entertain it. That kind of language is never acceptable. Not in anger, not as a joke, not ever,” Olandria wrote. “Words like that carry generations of pain, and pretending otherwise only keeps the cycle going. Defending it, laughing about it or making excuses is even worse.”

    She continued, “While I anticipate this will result in surface level apologies that fade in a few days, I’d like to transform this moment into something actionable. I encourage those who have participated in the stream and their followers to demonstrate a genuine commitment to anti-racism by donating to organizations and foundations dedicated to educating and uplifting this community, such as the UNCF, NAACP and/or the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. I will be making a personal donation as well.”

    Another star from Love Island USA season 7, Chelley Bissainthe, spoke on the incident on her Instagram Story, encouraging everyone to “not make light of moments like these.”

    “Seeing what happened with a former Love Island cast mate and her partner, laughing during a prank call that included a racist remark toward Olandria was disappointing to say the least,” she began in her statement. “Racism isn’t a prank, it’s not entertainment, and it’s definitely not something to laugh at. As a Black woman, it’s painful to watch moments like this play out so casually because it shows how normalized disrespect and ignorance can become when people choose silence or humor over accountability.”

    Chelley continued, “Any form of racism should always be checked right away. There’s nothing awkward about racism… it’s disgusting and disheartening. And i’ll always speak on it.”

    “Let’s not make light of moments like these,” she concluded. “There’s a bigger message here: use your voice and stand up for what’s right no matter the time, place, or who’s watching.”

    Rebecah Jacobs

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  • New Georgia Project Voting Rights Group Founded By Stacey Abrams Officially Dissolves

    Two of the state’s most influential voter engagement organizations, the New Georgia Project (NGP) and its affiliate, the New Georgia Project Action Fund, are officially dissolving. Founded in 2013 by Stacey Abrams, the nonprofit quickly became a force in expanding voter access across the state, especially among Black voters and other marginalized communities often overlooked in mainstream civic outreach.

    Source: John Lamparski / Getty

    Abrams’ vision for the organization began long before her runs for governor in 2018 and 2022. The NGP’s mission centered on building a more inclusive democracy, ensuring every Georgian, regardless of race, income, or zip code had a voice at the ballot box. The group’s impact reached national recognition, especially following the 2020 election cycle when Georgia flipped blue for the first time in nearly three decades.

    The Rise and the Rift

    According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the New Georgia Project was known for its widespread voter registration drives and community mobilization efforts. The organization helped register hundreds of thousands of new voters, focusing on communities of color, young people, and first-time voters. Abrams’ founding vision was praised for reshaping Georgia’s political landscape and shifting the balance of power through civic engagement rather than partisan politics.

    However, in recent years, that momentum has been overshadowed by controversy. According to the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, the organization was fined $300,000 for violating state campaign finance laws. The fine added to growing questions about how the nonprofit handled its finances and political activity, scrutiny that, according to the report, played a role in the organization’s declining stability.

    A Quiet Closure

    FOX 5 notes that in a statement released this week, the New Georgia Project and its Action Fund announced they will dissolve as organizations. While the statement confirmed the shutdown, it did not offer details on why the decision was made or what will happen to the group’s staff, programs, or remaining funds. The Associated Press reported that no additional explanation has been provided about the dissolution or the future of any ongoing voter initiatives.

    For many Georgians, especially those who saw the New Georgia Project as a symbol of civic power and representation, the news feels like a gut punch. The organization stood as one of the few large-scale, Black-founded and woman-led movements dedicated solely to political participation and social equity in the South.

    Legacy and Lessons

    Despite its challenges, the New Georgia Project’s legacy is undeniable. The group helped mobilize thousands of voters, broke barriers in civic education, and inspired a generation of grassroots leaders to get politically active. Stacey Abrams’ broader movement, from Fair Fight to her continued advocacy for voting rights, remains deeply woven into the fabric of modern Georgia politics.

    Still, this closure raises important questions about the sustainability of political nonprofits, especially those born from social movements rather than corporate funding. Transparency, accountability, and community trust remain at the core of any organization working in the name of democracy.

    The New Georgia Project may be dissolving, but its impact will continue to shape how Georgia shows up to the polls and how future organizers build their blueprints for change.

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  • Mississippi Mass Shootings: Alcorn State University & Jackson State University Among 5 Homecoming Attacks, 7 Dead & 21 Injured

    A weekend of fun and festivities turned into terror and tragedy in Mississippi after multiple homecoming shootings at Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and three high schools. The gun violence left 7 dead and 21 injured, including an expectant mother and a child.

    Source: The Washington Post / Getty

    Alcorn State University – 2 Wounded, 1 Dead

    Around 7 p.m. Saturday, Alcorn State University issued an active shooter alert as students, staff, alumni, and the community gathered for the annual festivities. “A shooting has been reported on campus. If you are on campus, seek shelter immediately. Do not leave your secure location until given an all clear by Campus Police,” the warning stated.

    WBLT reports gunshots began around 6:30 p.m. near the Industrial Technology Building on campus. Two victims at the scene sustained injuries. A woman identified as 29-year-old Brekyra Fisher was fatally shot.

    Police have not yet arrested any suspects. Alcorn State University Police Chief Doug Stewart turned over the case to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

    Jackson State University – 1 Child Wounded

    During Jackson State University’s homecoming Saturday night, gunshots rang out near a tailgate section at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. WJTV reports a child sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Jackson police officers rushed the young victim to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment.

    Interim Jackson Police Chief and Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones confirmed that Capitol police and Jackson police are investigating the shooting, which has no suspects at this time.

    Chaos at the stadium continued in the parking lot, where a fire broke out the same night. At least four cars sustained damage from the blaze. Division Fire Chief Charles Felton told WJTV that witnesses said the fire began with one car and spread to multiple others.

    Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries.

    Read about the even deadlier attacks on MS high school football celebrations after the jump.

    Leland High School – 4 Dead, 16 Wounded

    The deadliest Mississippi shooting this weekend took place in the small town of Leland, located in the western part of the state. Following the Leland High School homecoming football game against Charleston High School on Friday, celebrations continued into the night. According to The Guardian, four people died, and at least 16 others were shot when bullets rained down on the crowd.

    Four victims in critical condition required an emergency airlift to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, while 12 others received medical treatment at local hospitals. Mayor John Lee confirmed crowds gathered on a main street for an after-party when the attack happened around midnight.

    There are no arrests yet or suspects named in the ongoing investigation, led by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

    Heidelberg High School – 2 Dead, Including An Expectant Mother, 1 Injured

    In another small MS town about 200 miles southwest, a fourth homecoming shooting happened at Heidelberg on Friday. The town celebrated a football victory over Mize when gunshots erupted.

    Two victims died, and another was injured. WDAM reports the coroner’s office has not yet publicly identified them, but noted one of the fatalities was a pregnant woman. Authorities have not yet revealed any details about how the incident started, but they did take a person of interest into custody on Saturday morning.

    Heidelberg Police Department leads the ongoing investigation with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.

    South Delta High School In Rolling Fork – 1 Injured

    Gunshots rang out at the South Delta High School football game in Rolling Fork, MS. According to WLBT, Sheriff Herbert Ceaser identified the sole victim as Quindale Wise. He was shot twice outside the football stadium. Wise is in stable condition after he was transported to a local hospital.

    Sharkey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Justin Pam and Michael Miles Jr. The motive remains unknown as this investigation also continues.

    Prayers up for the people of Mississippi after a heartbreaking homecoming weekend.

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  • NFL Headquarters Gunman Shane Tamura Had CTE Before Deadly Shooting, Medical Examiner Confirms

    The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has confirmed that Shane Devon Tamura, the 27-year-old gunman who opened fire inside the NFL’s New York headquarters in July, had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Investigators say Tamura drove from Las Vegas to Midtown Manhattan, entered the building, and killed four people before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

    Source: MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty

    In a statement, the OCME reported:

    “Following a thorough assessment and extensive analysis by our neuropathology experts, OCME has found unambiguous diagnostic evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE, in the brain tissue of the decedent. The findings correspond with the classification of low-stage CTE, according to current consensus criteria.”

    The medical examiner added that “the science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study.” Experts did not say whether the disease directly contributed to the deadly shooting.

    Previously reported by BOSSIP, Tamura never played NFL football, but did play high school football in California, raising early questions about how he might have developed the brain trauma he claimed to suffer. At that time, officials stressed that CTE can only be confirmed after death, underscoring the weight of Friday’s medical examiner confirmation.

    Shooter’s Note Blamed NFL for “Concealing the Dangers”

    In ABC News, police say they discovered a three-page note in Tamura’s pocket that offered chilling insight into his motive. He wrote that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and accused the NFL of “concealing the dangers to players’ brains to maximize profits.”

    In another striking passage, Tamura had a plea.

    “Study my brain please. I’m sorry.”

    Authorities believe Tamura may have targeted the league because of its long-running controversies over player head injuries and concussions. However, investigators have not confirmed a direct link between his CTE diagnosis and the shooting.

    Four Lives Lost in Minutes

    The rampage unfolded with terrifying speed. ABC News reports that all of the lobby victims were shot in under 30 seconds. Tamura then moved toward the elevator bank, allowing one woman to pass unharmed before riding to the 33rd floor around 6:28 p.m. Previously reported by BOSSIP, authorities said he intended to target the NFL but mistakenly took the wrong elevator, a critical misstep that likely prevented further loss of life among league employees.

    Once there, he fired at office cleaner Sebije Nelovic and missed. Nelovic later shared more about what they experienced.

    “I started praying,” explaining that as gunshots hit the closet door where she hid, she thought of Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old Rudin Management employee often working late. “God help her,” Nelovic said.

    Police said Tamura fired 47 rounds, reloading once. Hyman became the final victim before the gunman turned the weapon on himself about four minutes after arriving on the floor.

    The victims include:

    • Aland Etienne, a building security guard
    • Wesley LePatner, a Blackstone executive, wife, and mother
    • Didarul Islam, an NYPD officer and father of two
    • Julia Hyman, a young employee at Rudin Management

    NFL Responds to Tragedy

    The NFL issued a statement of grief and solidarity.

    “We continue to grieve the senseless loss of lives, and our hearts remain with the victims’ families and our dedicated employees. There is no justification for the horrific acts that took place. As the medical examiner notes, the science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study.”

    Broader Questions on CTE and Responsibility

    This case highlights the still-evolving understanding of CTE, a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma and found in some athletes. While the OCME confirmed Tamura had low-stage CTE, it stopped short of linking the illness to his violence.

    Are professional sports organizations, including the NFL, doing enough to protect players and be transparent about the long-term risks of head injuries?

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  • Emmett Till’s Cousin, Priscilla Williams-Till, Running For US Senate in Mississippi

    Priscilla Williams-Till, a cousin of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, is running for U.S. Senate in Mississippi, pledging to “change the hate that’s come out of Mississippi” through leadership rooted in justice. Williams-Till announced her candidacy on Aug. 28, 2025, at the Mississippi Capitol rotunda while wearing a white T-shirt printed with photos of Emmett and Mamie alongside the words “A Mother’s Love Never Dies.”

    Source: Peter Forest/Bettmann

    According to the Mississippi Free Press, Williams-Till is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, whose term expires in January 2027. Hyde-Smith sparked national outrage in 2018 when she said during a campaign stop, “If he invited me to a public hanging, I’d be on the front row,” a remark first documented by journalist Lamar White Jr. and later followed by an apology “to anyone offended.”

    “We have a sitting person that’s representing the state of Mississippi, like Cindy Hyde-Smith, who made the comment, ‘If I was invited to a public hanging, I’d be on the front row,’” Williams-Till said at her press conference. “Well, I represent this state, too, and God has directed my path. We will change the hate that’s come out of Mississippi.”

    Hyde-Smith went on to defeat Democrat Mike Espy in a 2018 runoff and again in 2020.

    Family Legacy of Civil Rights

    The Mississippi Free Press states that Williams-Till’s great-grandmother, Ella Smith, and Mamie Till-Mobley’s grandfather, George Smith, were siblings, tying her to one of the most defining tragedies of the Civil Rights era. In 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till was kidnapped and lynched in Money, Miss., after Carolyn Bryant accused him of whistling at her. An all-white jury acquitted J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant of murder.

    Mamie Till-Mobley’s insistence on an open-casket funeral galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. According to the Mississippi Free Press, that history fuels Williams-Till’s push for justice and transparency.

    Call for Till Case Files and Accountability

    Williams-Till said the U.S. Department of Justice released heavily redacted federal Emmett Till case files on Aug. 22, 2025, after notifying the family four days earlier. But the Mississippi Free Press reports that Mississippi has not released its state case files, prompting Williams-Till to petition for their disclosure.

    “What is the State of Mississippi so afraid of in those files that you all will not release pertinent, important information to carry down in history?” she asked at the press conference.

    She also urged the state to posthumously prosecute Carolyn Bryant, though U.S. law prohibits criminal prosecution of deceased individuals.

     “We heard that Carolyn Bryant’s name was always a part of the warrant, but they chose not to arrest her because she had children,” Williams-Till said. Bryant died in 2023.

    Policy Priorities and Positions

    Williams-Till supports expanding Medicaid and strengthening rural hospitals, citing personal experience with families overwhelmed by insurance changes. 

    “We need a system set up to help people get health insurance for the ones who are cut out of Medicaid across the state,” Williams-Till said.

    She vowed to introduce federal legislation targeting systemic injustice, including police reform and zoning discrimination. On reproductive rights, she told the outlet: 

    “I think people have a right to decide whatever they want to do with their bodies. That’s between them and God. I don’t think any man or woman should dictate to a woman what she should do to her body.”

    Williams-Till also said she supports U.S. weapons aid to Israel and Ukraine—while believing Ukraine “should fend for itself” otherwise—and opposes Palestinian statehood and transgender athletes competing on teams matching their gender identity.

    A Growing Field

    Williams-Till enters a race that includes independent Ty Pinkins and Democratic prosecutor Scott Colom, who announced his candidacy after Hyde-Smith helped block his federal judgeship nomination.

    With deep family ties to Emmett Till’s legacy and a platform centered on health care, justice reform, and racial reconciliation, Priscilla Williams-Till is betting that Mississippi voters are ready for a historic change.

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  • 10-Year-Old New Orleans Boy Escapes Armed Kidnappers Who Forced Him To Strip Inside Abandoned House

    A terrifying kidnapping in New Orleans’ Algiers neighborhood ended with a 10-year-old boy bravely kicking his way to freedom after being abducted at gunpoint.

    Source: Cultura Creative / Getty

    According to WVUE Fox 8 Live, police say they are still searching for the two masked men behind the Thursday afternoon attack that has shaken the community and left a family traumatized.

    Abducted At Gunpoint While Walking Home

    Fox 8 states that the boy’s mother said her 10-year-old son and his 6-year-old brother were walking home from the school bus stop on Kraft Place when two men dressed in all black and wearing ski masks approached with a gun. The suspects allegedly pushed the younger child to the ground and grabbed the older boy.

    “My 10-year-old said they were holding hands, but you know when you’re running, eventually your hands let go,” the mother told the station.

    She recalled the terrifying moment her younger son burst into the house screaming, “‘They took my brother.’”

    Can you imagine?

    Forced Into An Abandoned House

    In Fox 8, the 10-year-old recounted that the men brought him to an abandoned home on Farragut Street, just a block away. Inside, he said, they ordered him and another boy he didn’t know to strip down to their underwear.

    “They were going to try to take a photo of me, like I don’t know,” said the boy when asked details about what happened. “But when they tried to do that, that was when one of them left. The other one said, ‘I’ll be right back.’” 

    That’s when the two children took the opportunity to save their lives.

    A Daring Escape

    With the captors momentarily separated, the two boys seized their chance. According to the 10-year-old, the kidnappers had locked the door, but he refused to stay trapped.

    “They locked the door, so they made sure the door was locked, and that was when we tried to kick the door, and I kicked the door, and that’s when I had kicked the door down, and I had ran,” he said.

    The boy sprinted toward home, which wasn’t far from where the kidnappers had hidden the boys away. He kept running until eventually he spots his father who was already out searching. 

    The family later discovered the child’s book bag and school clothes discarded across the street from their home, showcasing how close the crime scene was to their doorstep. Reported by Fox 8, a manager of the property confirmed to officials that the building is unoccupied, which investigators believe made it an easy hideout for the attackers.

    Mother Credits Her Son’s Strength

    The boy’s mother said she is grateful for his quick thinking and courage in the face of danger.

    “I just thank God for the strength I have for raising my child to be the strong person he was in that moment,” she told Fox 8.

    Investigation Ongoing

    The New Orleans Police Department confirmed to Fox 8 that no suspects have been identified and that, as of Friday morning, no other victims are being investigated. 

    Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

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  • Award-Winning Playwright Olivia Matthews Killed in Smyrna Arson Fire, Police Offer $10K Reward

    A fatal fire that claimed the life of acclaimed playwright Olivia “Liv” Matthews was no accident. According to WSB-TV, investigators say the fire was intentionally set inside her Smyrna apartment. Authorities are now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction as they work to unravel what has become a troubling and heartbreaking case.

    Source: Olivia Matthews Instagram / Instagram

    A Rising Star Lost to Violence

    Matthews, a celebrated dramatist whose works have graced stages in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Omaha, was known for her exceptional writing, stylish fashion sense, love of cooking, and commitment to justice. Her sudden death is a shock to the theatre world and the Georgia community she called home.

    WSB-TV shares how friends of hers are struggling to process the tragedy.

     “Liv was perfect, and I can’t imagine why somebody would want to harm her,” said close friend Daisy Bentley.

    Alarming Clues: Missing Cameras and a Deliberate Blaze

    Police revealed that two security cameras near the crime scene disappeared on the very same day as the fire, a detail that raises questions about whether evidence was intentionally destroyed. Investigators have confirmed that the blaze was set on purpose, making Matthews’ death a homicide investigation.

    Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Smyrna Police Department and have stressed that tips can be provided anonymously. The $10,000 reward underscores the urgency of finding the person or people responsible.

    A Legacy of Standing Ovations

    Matthews’ career left an unmistakable mark on the national theatre scene. Her play The Nativity, starring Keisha Taylor, was a highlight of her portfolio. Director TammyRa Jackson recalled how the show earned the only standing ovation during a major conference, a moment that Matthews described as one of her proudest professional achievements.

    Colleagues remember more than just her talent. Quinn Corben, managing director at Great Plains Theatre Commons, praised Matthews’ “compassion and talent,” saying they “left a lasting impression on her fellow playwrights.”

    Remembering Olivia’s Spirit

    Friends say Matthews’ favorite color was purple and that she loved people for who they were, as they were. Her closest friend urged those mourning her loss to honor her memory by staying true to her ethos of creativity and acceptance.

    The friend encouraged the community to “channel their emotions into creative outlets,” reflecting what Matthews herself would have wanted during this time of grief.

    The Smyrna Police Department continues to seek the public’s help. Anyone with information about the intentionally set fire is urged to reach out, with the option to remain anonymous. Authorities hope the $10,000 reward will prompt crucial leads.

    As investigators press forward, friends, family, and fans of Olivia Matthews are left to celebrate the life and art of a visionary playwright who inspired standing ovations and championed creativity. Her loss is a profound reminder of the fragility of life—and the enduring power of art to carry a legacy forward.

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  • Maryland Man Charged With Murder After Missing 19-Year-Old Dacara Thompson Found Dead

    Prince George’s County police have arrested and charged a Maryland man for the death of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose disappearance in late August led to the discovery of her body in Anne Arundel County.

    Source: Prince George’s County Police Department / Prince George’s County Police Department

    Police identified the suspect as Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, who is charged with first- and second-degree murder. Officials say Hernandez-Mendez is being held without bond.

    Disappearance and Discovery

    According to NBC Washington, Thompson was last seen on the night of Aug. 22 when she left her father’s Lanham home to put gas in her car. Her family reported her missing the next day.

    Thompson’s car was found on Aug. 24 near a volunteer fire station with her purse inside but with her phone missing and disabled.

    Maryland State Police discovered a body on Aug. 31 in Anne Arundel County. Authorities later confirmed the remains as Thompson, prompting a joint investigation with county detectives.

    Surveillance and Evidence

    According to court documents cited by NBC Washington, surveillance footage from the early morning of Aug. 23 showed Thompson parking her Ford Edge SUV before walking to a lot behind a Family Dollar store in Langley Park. She was seen approaching a black GMC Yukon Denali, speaking to the driver, and then getting into the front passenger seat.

    Reported by ABC News, investigators say the SUV went to a home on Kembridge Drive in Bowie, where evidence indicated Thompson was killed in a bedroom.

    Detectives searched that home, where Hernandez-Mendez lived. A roommate told police he overheard the suspect in his room on Aug. 23 with a woman who “did not seem to be having a good time.”

    Ongoing Investigation

    Detectives are still investigating whether Hernandez-Mendez and Thompson knew each other before Aug. 23. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not released a cause of death but is expected to rule the case a homicide

    NBC Washington reports Hernandez-Mendez was living in the United States illegally and had been arrested by U.S. Park Police in April for suspected DUI on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Federal authorities released him pending trial.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Hernandez-Mendez is a Guatemalan national and issued a detainer on Sept. 4.

    ICE stated:

    “Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, has been charged with first and second-degree murder in the gruesome death of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson. ICE has issued a detainer for this criminal illegal alien and justice will be served for this Maryland family.”

    Community and Government Response

    Thompson graduated from St. Charles High School in Waldorf and was working at a nonprofit through the Maryland Service Year Option.

    Prince George’s County Executive, Aisha Braveboy, stated to NBC Washington, Thompson was “a good, good, good young woman who wanted to do good for her community,” and the county will support her family as they seek justice.

    In a statement released by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Thompson was “taken from us by an act of senseless violence” and was “a bright light in our state.”

    In NBC Washington, neighbors in Bowie said they were stunned by the allegations. One woman said, “To hear about what happened to that poor girl, I’m really sorry for the family and I really keep them in my prayers.”

    Police urge anyone with information to contact the Prince George’s County Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

    The investigation continues.

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  • Trump Strips Secret Service Security For Kamala Harris Ahead Of Her Book Tour

    President Donald Trump revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection in a letter dated Thursday.

    Source: Chip Somodevilla/Paras Griffin

    Under federal law, former vice presidents receive six months of Secret Service protection after leaving office. CNN reports that Harris’ standard coverage expired on July 21. However, then-President Joe Biden signed a directive — not publicly disclosed until now — that extended Harris’ protection for an additional year.

    Trump’s order canceled that extension.

    Trump’s memorandum

    In a letter titled “Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security,” Trump wrote:

    “You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris.”

    In CNN, a Secret Service official states the order came from the White House. The decision was not based on a new security review or threat assessment, and agency leadership did not raise objections.

    Scope of coverage

    Harris’ detail previously included a rotating team of agents, ranging from a dozen to several dozen, providing 24-hour security. Secret Service protection also included monitoring of threat intelligence, as well as online and electronic communications.

    With the revocation, that coverage will no longer apply. Harris’ home in Los Angeles will also cease to be protected by federal agents.

    CNN cites security experts who estimate the cost of maintaining an equivalent level of private protection could reach millions of dollars annually.

    Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his personal detail on July 21 under the standard rules for a former vice president’s spouse.

    Harris’ upcoming public role

    The change comes as Harris prepares to embark on a multi-city book tour for her upcoming memoir “107 Days,” which will be released on September 23. It will be her most high-profile public engagement since leaving office, during which she has made only limited appearances.

    Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, told CNN:

    “The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”

    Reactions from California officials

    CNN reports Newsom and Bass discussed potential alternative protections for Harris through state or local resources.

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom was briefed on the decision late Thursday. His spokesperson Bob Salladay states:

    “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.”

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also responded:

    “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”

    The Bigger Picture

    Presidents and presidential candidates frequently face security threats. Trump himself survived two assassination attempts during his campaign last year.

    Harris, as the first woman and first Black woman to serve as vice president, faced particular security concerns during her term and while she campaigned for president. Those concerns persisted well into January of this year.

    How does it make sense to strip away protections from the first Black woman to hold the vice presidency, especially while she’s reentering public life?

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  • ‘Fix My Algorithm’: Cardi B Claps Back At Elon Musk Calling Her A ‘Puppet’ For Kamala Harris Rally Appearance

    ‘Fix My Algorithm’: Cardi B Claps Back At Elon Musk Calling Her A ‘Puppet’ For Kamala Harris Rally Appearance

    Source: Kyle Mazza/ANGELA WEISS / Getty

    Cardi B is never one to mince words online and X owner Elon Musk just found out the hard way when she dragged him

    In response to her appearance at the Milwaukee rally of presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, Musk took to his X account to throw dirt on her political name.

    “Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words,” he said. “The Kamala campaign has no authenticity or true empathy.”

    TOPSHOT-US-VOTE-POLITICS-MUSK

    Source: RYAN COLLERD / Getty

    A Donald Trump supporter namedropping empathy is truly…something. Social media users quickly came to Cardi‘s defense but she didn’t need it as she was more than ready to clap back.

    “I’m not a puppet Elon.. I’m a daughter of two immigrant parents that had to work their a** off to provide for me!,” she responded. “I’m a product of welfare, I’m a product of section 8, I’m a product of poverty and I’m a product of what happens when the system is set up against you….But you don’t know nothing about that. You don’t know not one thing about the American struggle…. PS fix my algorithm.”

    Honestly, stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to and get that block list back hidden, Elon!

    Cardi kept it real with Harris supporters in Milwaukee, revealing that she originally intended to not vote this election season.

    “I did not have faith in any candidates…until she said the things that I wanted to hear,” she said.

    But in the end, she saw a similarity between she and Harris that helped seal her decision to publicly endorse her.

    Vice President Kamala Harris and Cardi B embrace on stage at Wisconsin Campaign Rally

    Source: Anadolu / Getty

    “Just like Kamala Harris, I too have been the underdog. I have been underestimated, my success belittled and discredited,” she continued. “Women have to work ten times harder, perform ten times better and still people question how we got to the top. I believe in every word that comes out of her mouth. She’s passionate, she’s compassionate, she shows empathy, and most of all, she’s not delusional.”

    This isn’t the first time Cardi has used her celebrity for good in the political sphere. Ahead of the 2020 election, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper sat down with Democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders, to talk about the hot button issues of the time. She endorsed Sanders as “a natural humanitarian” and felt he was the best choice to lead the country. However, the Vermont senator failed to secure the party’s nomination over Joe Biden, who went on to win the election.

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  • Hood’s Hottest [Political] Princess: Sexyy Red Joins Team Blue, Backs Kamala Harris After Dropping Donald Trump

    Hood’s Hottest [Political] Princess: Sexyy Red Joins Team Blue, Backs Kamala Harris After Dropping Donald Trump

    St. Louis rap sensation Sexyy Red has caused quite a stir on social media after backtracking on her endorsement of former President Donald Trump in favor of Kamla Harris. “Don’t tell us what to do with our c**chies!” wrote the Hood’s Hottest [Political] Princess.

    Source: Rodin/Eckenforth/ Prince Williams/WireImage/Derek White / Getty

    In a surprising twist on Friday, Sexyy announced that she voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, aligning herself with other high-profile artists showing support for the Democratic nominee.

    About a year ago, Sexyy Red’s comments on Trump caught widespread attention. During an appearance on Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, she openly praised the pandemic-era stimulus checks and loans, suggesting that they had changed how some in the Black community perceived Trump’s presidency. Her candid comments resonated with some of her fans who felt similarly, and she became known for expressing opinions that, at times, went against the mainstream of the hip-hop community.

    “I like Trump… once he started getting Black people out of jail and giving people that free money,” she reportedly said. “Aww baby, we love Trump. We need him back in office. We need him back because, baby, them checks. Them stimulus checks. Trump, we miss you.”

    In the months following her podcast appearance, Sexyy Red seemed to lean into her Trump endorsement. Earlier this year, she performed at the Governor’s Ball Music Festival in New York City wearing a giant inflatable red hat that humorously read, “Make America Sexyy Again.”

    However, as the 2024 election season has heated up, Sexyy Red recently took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to reveal her change of heart. In a pair of posts featuring “I Just Voted” stickers placed on her sweatsuit, the rapper showed her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for the presidency.

    “I just voted!!! Don’t tell us what to do with our c**chies!! #Kamala4President,” wrote the rapper.

     

     

    Fans and followers noticed the pivot and flooded her comment section with both excitement and surprise.

     

    One user applauded the rapper’s shift, saying, “Glad she not only showing the young ladies how to twerk, but also to vote!!!!” Another chimed in, “Okayyyy glad she educated herself and switched it up.”

    Sexyy Red’s endorsement of Harris places her among a growing number of music artists who are backing the vice president in the upcoming election. Harris has already received support from industry heavyweights like Beyoncé, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kelly Rowland, Stevie Wonder, Common, Jennifer Lopez, and Quavo.

    With Harris gaining momentum in the cultural and hip hop sphere, Sexyy Red’s support could increase a wider trend among younger artists and influencers leaning toward the Democratic ticket in 2024.

    lizsmith23

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  • London Stock Exchange Fires Wannabe Zimmerman For Harassing & Threatening Florida Teen For ‘Walking While Black’ In His Own Neighborhood

    London Stock Exchange Fires Wannabe Zimmerman For Harassing & Threatening Florida Teen For ‘Walking While Black’ In His Own Neighborhood

    Another example of racial profiling has surfaced, leaving many of us once again asking: when will this stop? A Florida teen, who was simply out for a walk in his own neighborhood, was targeted by a group of non-Black men who followed him, harassed him, and questioned his right to be there. 

    Source: EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty

    What should have been a peaceful stroll to make a phone call turned into a 10-minute nightmare of relentless suspicion and intimidation.

    Sound familiar? #RestInPeaceTrayvonMartin and the list of all other names whom police harass. 

    Thankfully, the victim is still alive. 

    A Walk Turns Into Racial Profiling

    The disturbing footage, captured by the teen and posted by his mother on TikTok, shows several men trailing the young Black male through a gated Sarasota community. 

    Despite his clear statements that he lived in the neighborhood, the men refused to believe him, hurling accusations and insults. 

    One even called him a “loser.”

    As reported by Yahoo Finance, the teen’s mother explained that her son had been walking to find better cell reception after Hurricane Milton knocked out power in their home. What he encountered instead was a group of men who saw his presence as a threat based solely on the color of his skin.

    The situation escalated when one of the men angrily reached into a vehicle, attempting to retrieve a gun. 

    Fortunately, another neighbor held him back before the confrontation could become even more dangerous. According to NewsOne, the parallels to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery are haunting—Arbery was chased and killed in 2020 while jogging through his own Georgia neighborhood, also targeted for simply existing while Black. 

    Though this young man’s story didn’t end in violence, the fear and trauma he endured are undeniable.

    Viral Video Sparks Accountability

    US-CRIME-COURT-RACISM-PROTEST

    Source: STAN HONDA / Getty

    As is too often the case, it took a viral video and public outrage to spur any kind of accountability. The footage has amassed more than 5 million views on TikTok, with users flooding social media to demand justice. 

    One of the men in the video, identified as Stephen Carega, worked for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). As the pressure mounted, LSEG launched an internal investigation, leading to Carega’s suspension and subsequent firing.

    In a statement shared by Yahoo Finance, an LSEG spokesperson confirmed details.

    “The individual involved was initially suspended while we investigated the matter. The investigation has now concluded, and the individual’s employment has been terminated.” 

    The company also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against racism and harassment, but the damage has been done. 

    No corporate statement can erase the fact that, in 2024, Black people still have to fear for their safety while doing the most basic of things—walking through their own neighborhoods.

     

    Racial Profiling Remains a Constant Threat

    As the video continues to circulate online, the story has become another grim reminder that racial profiling is still very much alive in America. It’s exhausting to watch these same stories play out time and time again, where the burden of proof is placed on Black people just to justify their presence.

    The teen’s mother, in her TikTok post, expressed both relief that her son made it home safely and frustration over the ordeal. 

    “I do not want to live in a community that does not welcome me and my children because [of] the color of our skin.”

    Social media sleuths claim to have identified the other members of the wannabe lynch mob, and hopefully, this will lead to more consequences than just losing a job.

    This incident, like many others before it, forces us to confront the reality that the US still suffers with race matters. Though Carega was quickly removed, it’s clear that more needs to be done to stop these incidents from happening in the first place.

    Lauryn Bass

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  • People Ain’t Isht: Daunte Wright’s Parents Furious Over Killer Cop Kim Potter Cash-Grab Speaking Tour About Fatal Shooting

    People Ain’t Isht: Daunte Wright’s Parents Furious Over Killer Cop Kim Potter Cash-Grab Speaking Tour About Fatal Shooting

    Source: The Washington Post / Getty

     

    Daunte Wright was killed on April 11, 2021, about ten miles from the spot where Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in front of a crowd of outraged onlookers. Wright also met his death at the hands of police officer, Kim Potter, who drew her service pistol instead of her taser and fatally shot the 20-year-old during a traffic stop. Potter was ultimately sentenced to a paltry two years for her crime and was released after 16 months.

    Jury Deliberates In Kim Potter Trial

    Source: Stephen Maturen / Getty

    According to APNews, now that Potter is back on the streets, she is looking to cash out on her criminal conviction by launching a speaking tour to wax poetic about her “mistake” by telling other police officers about her experience. It should go without saying that Daunte’s parents, specifically his mother Katie Wright, are none-too-pleased about it.

    “I think that Kim Potter had her second chance. She got to go home with her children. That was her second chance,” Wright said. “I think that when we’re looking at police officers, when they’re making quote-unquote mistakes, they still get to live in our community. They still get to continue their lives. That’s their second chance. We don’t have a second chance to be able to bring our loved ones back.”

    Funeral Held For Daunte Wright In Minneapolis

    Source: Brandon Bell / Getty

    What makes this cockamamie scheme even more infuriating is that the person helping Potter execute this idea is the prosecutor who was supposed to help put her behind bars in the first place. Imran Ali resigned from the case citing “vitriol” and “partisan politics” that rubbed his tender yellow belly wrong.

    “This is the definition of why I decided to walk away. You have somebody that recognizes the need for reform, recognizes the need for redemption, recognizes the need to engage. And still,” Ali said. “If you’re in law enforcement in this country, there is no redemption.”

    With all due disrespect, f*** Imran Ali and f*** Kim Potter’s “redemption”. If she wants to “redeem” herself, there are a myriad of ways to do so without making money off of a dead Black man. Ali insists that these speaking engagements are about “reform” and teaching officers not to make the same mistakes that Potter did. However, the language in the contracts that Ali drafted for Potter’s “services” reads as follows:

    “The officer, and the prosecutor who quit in protest, will deliver a dynamic presentation on the truth of what occurred, the increased violence and non-compliance directed towards law enforcement, the importance of training, and steps we can take in the future,” 

    Where exactly is the language of “reform”? This sounds more like “Kim Potter killed someone who deserved it and was treated very unfairly by society and if you kill someone who deserves it, then you will be treated unfairly also”

    TOPSHOT-US-POLICE-HOMICIDE-RACISM-TRIAL

    Source: KEREM YUCEL / Getty

    Potter’s September event was canceled in the wake of public criticism. However, she is still being asked by other police departments to come speak.

    NWA was always, always, always right.

    Jason "Jah" Lee

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