Arrest, Missouri, Lincoln University, stabbing death, student-athletes — (Photo: D-Keine/Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

November 20, 2024

John Lapinski Allegedly Arrested With Assault Rifle, Ammunition, And A List Of Potential Targets

The alleged list of targets discovered by the officers includes Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and locations that Lapinski described in his writings as draws for Black and Jewish people

John Lapinski, a 41-year-old Florida man, was arrested on Oct. 31 on suspicion of weapons violations after he was arrested and a list of targets was found, including a congressman and a list of locations he associated with Black and Jewish people.

According to NBC News, Lapinski was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered gun suppressor, both federal charges.

According to a factual proffer, or an offer of proof document presented by authorities, Lapinski was arrested in Margate, Florida, approximately 40 miles north of Miami, after police approached a home where shots were reported fired.

After police talked to a resident at the home, Lapinski’s sister, they determined that he was the one who fired the shots and arrested him before taking him to undergo a mental evaluation.

Following a walkthrough of the residence, officers found spent shell casings, assorted ammunition, and a homemade target, all evidence that Lapinski had fired a firearm. Later, officers found out that he was convicted twice for resisting an officer with violence in 2005, a felony offense.

Lapinski is also subject to an ongoing restraining order in a 2017 domestic violence case. In both of these cases, Lapinski was forbidden from having guns and ammunition by a judge.

The alleged list of targets discovered by the officers includes Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and locations that Lapinski described in his writings as draws for Black and Jewish people, with some parks and schools in the list described using a racial epithet for Black people.

According to The Washington Post, Moskowitz thanked the police in a statement he released on Nov. 8.

pic.twitter.com/OOHERyAcmG
— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) November 8, 2024

“The individual in question was arrested not far from my home; he is a former felon who was in possession of a rifle, a suppressor, and body armor,” Moskowitz’s statement said. “Found with him was a manifesto that, among other things, included antisemitic rhetoric and only my name on the ‘target’ list. There are many other details that I will not disclose as I do not want to interfere with an ongoing investigation.”

Moskowitz continued, “At the same time, I am deeply worried about Congressional member security and the significant lack thereof when we are in the district. Regardless of our political affiliations or differences, we all have families we want to keep safe.”

According to Broward County jail records, Lapinski was booked into the jail on Nov. 2 on suspicion of violating federal and state laws prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. Lapinski is also accused of violating a Florida court order that prohibited him from having guns.

According to NBC News, Lapinski is currently being held without bail, and it is unclear whether he has retained representation. A detention hearing regarding Lapinski has been scheduled for Nov. 27.

Laptop, work, stress, credit score, FICO Credit Score, Student Loan — (Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 20, 2024

Student Loan Borrowers May Face Higher Monthly Payments During Trump Presidency

President-elect Trump has made clear he wants to eliminate the Department of Education, which oversees student loan policies.

Student loan borrowers should expect higher monthly payments amid Trump’s second presidency. This move is likely to undermine the Biden administration’s efforts toward loan relief.

President Biden had many initiatives toward student loan forgiveness, although most faced legal hurdles that blocked implementation. Despite this, many borrowers also had their loans left in limbo as court rulings against them continued. Given the circumstances, service providers had no choice but to pause payments until they received more legal clarity.

However, President-elect Trump has made clear he wants to eliminate the Department of Education, which oversees student loan policies. Moreover, Trump has stated his dislike for student loan relief plans. He emphasized its unfairness for those who paid off their loans, per the Los Angeles Times.

Given Trump’s stance on the matter, the current steps toward loan forgiveness and relief are likely to be scrapped. Those plans, which include the Save on a Valuable Education (SAVE) option, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans, will continue to endure legal blocks.

The SAVE plan currently has eight million borrowers in forbearance. However, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked its rollout after seven Republican state attorney generals sued.

If Trump axes the program altogether, those borrowers will have to choose another repayment plan. The switch would likely come with a higher monthly cost as well. Moreover, the Department of Education will stop pursuing its less expansive draft rules for debt reduction under the new President.

Fortunately, those with student loans already forgiven or modified will experience less impact from Trump’s impending policies. However, those inching close to total loan forgiveness in the PAYE or ICR programs could face issues down the line as Trump enters his second term.

The actual end of the Department of Education will take more than an executive order. Its entire overhaul would require considerable work, specifically in duty reallocation.

Despite this, some analysts deem that the more pressing issue for borrowers is to live under a presidency that is less concerned with reducing student loans. This shift would inevitably lead to more years in debt, with significantly fewer options for relief.

Sean Combs, ‘Reckoning’ Doc, Abuse Claims, Slap Story, Janice Combs, — (Photo: Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 20, 2024

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Granted Bail Hearing As Judge Orders Prosecutors To Destroy Papers Taken From His Jail Cell

Diddy was also granted the request to no longer appear in court with shackles on.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has finally received a bail hearing date. A judge ordered prosecutors to destroy the papers taken from his jail cell during a sweep.

According to ABC News, the move has been a rare win for Combs since the beginning of his legal troubles. After being denied bail twice before, things seemingly worsened for Combs after an unrelated jail raid confiscated his handwritten notes concerning his trial. Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the sweep by the Bureau of Prisons occurred.

The disgraced media mogul appeared before Judge Arun Subramanian on Nov. 19, and the judge declared that prosecutors destroy the 19 pages of notes taken from Combs’ jail cell. Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that the notes’ seizure violated attorney-client privilege.

The lawyer also called it “outrageous government conduct” and stated that the notes detailed Combs’ defense strategies.

“When we visit him in jail, we have lists,” said Agnifilo at the hearing. “Everything in these pads are things we discuss. Trial strategy, who we should speak to, to undermine a witness’s credibility. We discuss everything with Mr. Combs.”

He added, “Virtually every single thing in these legal pads are matters he discusses with his attorneys. This has been a complete institutional failure.”

However, prosecutors asserted that the raid had been planned for months before Diddy’s arrest. Moreover, they claimed that the items taken did not have legal privilege, nor was the sweep aimed at any inmates. The prosecution also received the documents after they were vetted by a “Filter Team.”

“Self-labeling something ‘legal’ does not automatically make it subject to the attorney-client privilege,” argued one prosecutor, Christy Slavid. “The government received these materials through a completely appropriate channel.”

However, the judge seemed to agree with Combs’ lawyer, demanding the notes’ destruction. Prior to the hour-long hearing, Subramanian also approved the defense’s request that Combs no longer appear in shackles while at court to avoid “juror bias.”

Combs appeared at the court in seemingly higher spirits. Unshackled, he showed up to the hearing in a tan jumpsuit and hugged his defense amid the win.

Despite the legal victories, Combs still faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, among others. As for his highly sought-after bail, a third hearing will take place on Nov. 22.

Black Homeowners, Remodeling, homeownership, — (Photo: dolgachov/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 20, 2024

Homeowners Earning $50K Or Less Skipping Meals To Pay Mortgage, Survey Finds

Homeowners are taking drastic measures to keep up with mortgage payments, including skipping out on meals.

A new Redfin survey reveals the extreme measures some homeowners are taking to keep up with mortgage payments, including skipping meals.

The survey revealed that 74% of homeowners earning under $50,000 struggle to varying degrees with housing costs, and 25% have skipped meals to meet their monthly housing expenses, Fox Business reported. Skipping meals is one of the most frequently reported sacrifices among individuals in that income bracket.

Among respondents in this income bracket, 43% reported dining out less frequently, 36% said they were cutting back on vacations or forgoing them entirely, and approximately 25% admitted to borrowing money from friends or family to make ends meet.

The survey revealed that approximately 23% have resorted to selling personal belongings to cover housing payments, while just over 20% admitted to delaying or skipping medical treatments.

Meanwhile, the majority of consumers across all income groups have felt the strain of soaring rental and home-sale prices over the past five years. According to Redfin data, U.S. rental costs have primarily leveled off over the past year but remain 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Last month, Redfin found that the share of renter households paying less than $1,000 per month dropped to 32.1%, the lowest level ever recorded.

On the homeowner side, the cost of purchasing a home has soared, with median home prices increasing by over 40% since before the pandemic. This sharp increase in home prices and high borrowing costs has made homeownership unattainable for many, particularly those earning less than $50,000 annually.

In June, Redfin reported that nearly two-thirds of homes for sale had remained on the market for at least 30 days without receiving an offer, reflecting the impact of high housing costs.

“Overall, the market is fairly stagnant,” Shay Stein, a Redfin Premier agent in Las Vegas, said in the report.

“There are more listings hitting the market, but a lot of them aren’t in good condition, or they’re not in a desirable neighborhood — and sellers are pricing unrealistically high. A lot of sellers are willing to let their home sit on the market until they get the price they want, and a lot of buyers aren’t willing to pay sky-high prices when mortgage rates are still high. My advice to serious sellers is to price fairly and make cosmetic repairs before listing.”

In September, Redfin reported that homebuyers now need an income of at least $76,995 per year to afford a median-priced starter home, which is approximately $250,000. In October, home prices were up 5.2% year-over-year, with the median price reaching $435,051.

Bob Love, Chicago Bulls — See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 20, 2024

Chicago Bulls Legend Bob Love Dies After Battle With Cancer

The 3-time All-Star played in the NBA for 12 years, 8 of them with the Bulls passed away on Nov. 18

The NBA and the Chicago Bulls are mourning the loss of three-time All-Star Bob Love, who played in the NBA for 12 years, eight of them with the Bulls, after losing his battle with cancer on Nov. 18.

The Bulls announced that the 81-year-old had a long battle with cancer that eventually took his life earlier this week. The team released a statement via social media.

“Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family during his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls. Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.”

We mourn the passing of Bob Love, who passed away today in Chicago at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/3EBUO9UTmp

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2024

According to NBA.com, Love averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds after playing for the Bulls for nine seasons.

He played his collegiate career with Southern University in Baton Rouge and was selected in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals. After playing for the Royals for two years, he was picked up by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1968 expansion draft.

After the Bulls traded for him in 1968, he became an All-Star when he was selected for three straight seasons (1970-73). He averaged 25.8 points during the 1971-72 season. After leaving the Bulls and playing for the New York Nets, and the Seattle SuperSonics, he retired once the 1976-77 season ended.

Love averaged 17.6 points and 5.9 rebounds during his NBA career while playing in 789 career games. In January 1994, Love became the second Bulls player to have his uniform number retired by the team, following former Bulls player and Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.

Earlier this year, the Bulls inducted Love into the team’s Ring of Honor along with other Bulls legends, including Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and John Salley.

Vikings.Rondale Moore, Die,25 — (Photo: Tetra Images/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 20, 2024

Jackson State, Alabama State Face Penalties, Fines After Championship Brawl

Sixteen students were suspended.

Last Saturday’s contest to decide the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Football East Division was marred by a post-game fight between Jackson State University and Alabama State University, which resulted in fines and suspensions for both teams.

The fight broke out after Jackson State beat Alabama State, 16-10.

The SWAC has taken action against both schools and players who engaged in the brawl.

The penalties include $25,000 fines against Jackson State and Alabama State and 16 player suspensions—seven from Jackson State and nine from Alabama State.

“Acts on unsportsmanlike conduct have zero place in the sports of intercollegiate athletics and within the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and we are extremely disappointed to have had consecutive weeks of football competition negatively impacted by these unfortunate occurrences,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland in a written statement.

“We will continue to work with our membership to implement the necessary policies and procedures to deter this type of behavior. We will also continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed to be unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”

The players’ suspensions will be in effect for their next scheduled game.

This means that the 2024 SWAC Football Championship on Saturday, Dec. 7, between Jackson State and Southern University will place JSU at a severe disadvantage.

The Tigers, ranked No. 20 in the nation, are now 9-2 with an undefeated 7-0 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. This is Jackson State University’s third SWAC East Division title in the last four years, and they are doing just as well after Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders left them to coach the Colorado Buffaloes.

The latest victory sets them up to make another successful run and possibly win the SWAC Championship for the third time over the past four seasons (They took the titles in 2021 and 2022).

Diddy, Diageo — (Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images for Sean 'Diddy' Combs)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 20, 2024

Diddy Prosecutors Must Now Destroy Notes Seized In Jail Cell Raid

A judge has ordered the destruction of certain handwritten notes seized from Diddy's jail cell.

Sean “Diddy” Combs received positive news on Nov. 19 when a judge directed federal prosecutors to destroy several pages of handwritten notes seized during a raid of his jail cell at MDC-Brooklyn last week.

Judge Arun Subramanian issued the ruling during an hour-long hearing where Combs was finally able to appear in court without shackles on his ankles, ABC 7 reported. The disgraced hip-hop mogul flashed smiles at the audience and hugged his legal team.

“The government should not be in possession of the 19 pages,” Judge Subramanian said at the end of the hearing.

Combs’ lawyer requested an immediate hearing after accusing prosecutors of securing “improper possession” of his handwritten notes, which contain “attorney-client privileged material.” Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo held a stack of notepads, folders, and papers during the Tuesday hearing, arguing that they were initially seized from Combs’ jail cell even though the Bad Boy founder “has handwritten the word ‘legal'” on them, Agnifilo said. His lawyers argued that every page from the stack is subject to attorney-client privilege.

“Virtually every single thing in these legal pads are matters he discusses with his attorneys,” Agnifilo said. “This has been a complete institutional failure.”

However, a member of the prosecution team disagreed and attempted to deny claims of the handwritten notes being private legal documents.

“Self-labeling something ‘legal’ does not automatically make it subject to the attorney-client privilege,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said. “The government received these materials through a completely appropriate channel.”

In a victory for Combs, the judge ruled that the handwritten notes would not be considered when deciding on the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper’s bail during Friday’s hearing.

Combs is being held at MDC-Brooklyn without bail on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. He’s been there since mid-September, when he was arrested on a federal indictment alleging he engaged in a decades-long pattern of physical and sexual violence against multiple victims, including at elaborate sex parties he called “freak-offs.”

A Workbook for Transforming Relationships — photo caption: blacknews.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 20, 2024

Black Therapist Duo Launches New Workbook To Transform Relationships ‘One Chapter At A Time’

Jessica Harris, LPC, and Miranda Campbell, LCSW, are thrilled to announce the release of their groundbreaking new book, Attachment Style Makeover: A Workbook for Transforming Relationships.

Jessica Harris, LPC, and Miranda Campbell, LCSW, are thrilled to announce the release of their groundbreaking new book, Attachment Style Makeover: A Workbook for Transforming Relationships. This empowering guide hits shelves on Nov. 19, providing readers with actionable tools to identify and heal attachment patterns that impact every facet of their lives—from romantic relationships to friendships, family dynamics, and professional connections.

Rooted in attachment theory, the workbook is designed to help individuals understand how childhood experiences shape their current behaviors, offering practical steps to cultivate secure, fulfilling relationships. With a special emphasis on the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities, Attachment Style Makeover integrates culturally relevant insights to help readers navigate generational trauma, societal expectations, and the pursuit of emotional wellness.

“We wrote this book to bridge the gap between understanding attachment theory and applying it in real life,” says coauthor Jessica Harris, LPC. “Healing is deeply personal, and we wanted to create a resource that empowers readers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, to transform how they connect with themselves and others.”

What Readers Can Expect:

• In-depth exploration of the four attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.

• Self-assessments, including the Attachment Style Quiz, to uncover relationship patterns.

• Reflection prompts and exercises tailored to each attachment style.

• Culturally informed strategies for navigating attachment trauma and building resilience.

• Real-life examples of attachment styles at work in relationships, parenting, and the workplace.

“This workbook isn’t just about healing relationships; it’s about breaking cycles of trauma and reclaiming the love and connection we all deserve,” adds Miranda Campbell, LCSW. “Our approach centers on compassion, self-awareness, and actionable steps—because growth is a process, not perfection.”

Attachment Style Makeover is available for purchase at major online retailers and independent bookstores.

About the Authors:

Jessica Harris, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor specializing in helping individuals unlearn unhealthy relationship patterns and develop secure, thriving connections. Miranda Campbell, LCSW, is a trauma therapist and social worker passionate about attachment-based healing for BIPOC individuals. Together, they bring decades of experience and a shared mission to empower readers on their journey to emotional wellness.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram at @therapistmirandacampbell and @tthebeautitherapist

This news was first reported on Blacknews.com

Philadelphia Man Allegedly Shot After Calling Someone’s Dog Skinny — photo credit: pexels

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 20, 2024

Philadelphia Man Allegedly Shot After Calling Someone’s Dog Skinny

Darnell Henry claims that a man shot him after critiquing his dog

In the City of Brotherly Love, a resident claims he wasn’t shown any when a man allegedly shot him for calling his dog skinny.

According to 6 Action News, Darnell Henry claims that a man shot him for critiquing his dog on a street in Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia. The incident occurred on the morning of Nov. 3 while Henry was outside watching TV and hanging out with his dog, Bella. Paul Sanders was walking his dog when Bella walked up to him. Sanders stated that he did not want Bella near him, which prompted Henry to say that Sanders’ dog looked skinny.

After walking away several minutes later, the 56-year-old returned with another individual, 20-year-old Tanon Fitzpatrick. Henry said that he was shot, and he recalled saying, “Yo, you shot me?”

Henry feels that he was shot due to him calling the dog skinny.

He was perplexed over what happened. “I’m more angry than anything. Over a dog?” said Henry. “This is nothing else but talking about his dog. Feed your dog and walk away, and I get a bullet for that?”

The two men then barricaded themselves inside a residence as police went to apprehend them. Police officers called in the SWAT team, and they were able to get Sanders and Fitzpatrick, and both were arrested. The pair is facing several charges, including aggravated assault, according to police authorities.

The thought that he was shot over a dog still troubles Henry.

“It’s upsetting man. It’s really upsetting. I could have died right there, like literally, I could have died over a dog,” said Henry.

Henry ended up with a hospital stay of five days to nurse his wounds; he says he is waiting for police officers to talk to him about the incident.

“This ain’t the City of Brotherly Love,” Henry said.

Police have asked anyone with information about what took place to contact them.

Both suspects are still in custody.