Kimberly Dowdell, architects, American Institute Of Architects
by Mitti Hicks

November 26, 2025

Education Dept. To Delist Architecture As Professional Degree

The move stems from the terms of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The Trump administration is delisting architecture as a professional degree by the U.S. Department of Education, which could have a significant impact on students and the industry.  

As Dezeen reports, the declassification of architecture stems from the terms of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Provision of federal student loans will be overhauled beginning July 1, 2026. Borrowing amounts will be determined based on whether a degree is considered professional.

The move from the Trump administration has angered the industry. In a statement from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), leaders say they “strongly oppose” any proposal or policy that fails to recognize architects as professionals, particularly when it comes to designating which degrees qualify for student loan caps.

“The title of ‘architect’ is earned through years of rigorous education, extensive professional examinations, and a demanding licensing process,” the AIA released in a statement. “To classify otherwise dismisses the expertise, professional standards, and dedication that define the profession.”

The AIA also warned that lowering the loan cap will reduce the number of architects who can afford to pursue this professional degree and harm American leadership in this field.

In America, an architecture degree costs between $100,000 and $180,00 for a five-year bachelor of architecture (B.Arch) program. For graduate-level programs, the average annual cost hovers around $30,000, according to B Young Design.

According to the bill, starting July 1 next year, the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans that a graduate student who is not a professional student may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent is $20,500. A professional student may borrow a maximum of $50,000.

Unfortunately, architecture isn’t the only professional occupation the Department of Education wants to delist.  The department has officially excluded nursing in its recently revamped definition of “professional degree” programs.

“At a time when healthcare in our country faces a historic nurse shortage and rising demands, limiting nurses’ access to funding for graduate education threatens the very foundation of patient care,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, in a statement

She added, “In many communities across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, advanced practice registered nurses ensure access to essential, high-quality care that would otherwise be unavailable. We urge the Department of Education to recognize nursing as the essential profession it is and ensure access to loan programs that make advanced nursing education possible.”

RELATED CONTENT: American Institute Of Architects Elects First Black Woman President

Track, Race, Sport, Sprint, Starting line, Track Athlete, 400 meter, university of Virginia
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 26, 2025

Track Star Kayla White’s Road To Victory Started At North Carolina A&T

She hopes for "more medals, more PRs, and just more healthy seasons."

North Carolina A&T alumna Kayla White has built quite the career post-college, including winning a gold medal for the USA at the World Athletics Championship.

In college, she competed in over 175 races, earning 32 wins, 71 top-5 finishes, 14 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles, three first-team All-American honors, two second-team All-American honors, an indoor NCAA championship, and the 60 meters hurdles at the MEAC indoor championships every year she attended the school.

The A&T Register recently spotlighted White, two months after her gold medal triumph. Her journey to track was preceded by training in ballet, hip-hop, and jazz. White said she “was blessed and gifted to do (hurdling), but I had a higher quality in sprinting, and I was more talented in that field, so I just rolled with the punches once I got to college.”

White said a lesson from her coach at A&T, Duane Ross, has stayed with her.

“Who do you want to be? Do you want to be with somebody that regrets not doing something, or you want to be somebody that took every single opportunity that was in front of them to be the best person, to be the best athlete that they can be?”

White added another medal in Tokyo on Sept. 21. As the third leg in the women’s 4×100 meter relay, running with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Twanisha Terry, and anchor Sha’Carri Richardson, the finished in 41.75 seconds, beating Jamaica by .04 seconds.

The Miami native hopes for “more medals, more PRs, and just more healthy seasons,” but one thing she won’t ever forget is her experience at North Carolina A&T.

“Aggie pride for life, Aggie-born, Aggie-bred, and when I die, I’m gonna be Aggie dead,” she told The A&T Register.

RELATED CONTENT: Famed Jamaican Runner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Retires As Most Decorated 100M Sprinter In History

Phi Beta sigma, hazing, fraternity, Caleb Wilson, Dr, Duronne. Walker, Southern University
by Mitti Hicks

November 26, 2025

Europe Focuses On Resetting Relationship With Africa During EU-AU Summit 2025

Experts believe the continents can help each other.

European and African leaders meet in Luanda, Angola’s capital for a summit, the the two continents’ relationship is in a precarious position.

As the Kofi Annan Foundation points out, the EU is signing deals worth hundreds of billions of euros with the United States, and works to mitigate the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, there is continued disinvestment on the continent. Across Europe, countries have welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees while restricting access to African asylum seekers.

All of these decisions by EU leaders have created the impression that Africa is not a priority. At the same time, Europe seeks to tap into Africa’s resources amid a critical period marked by a rush for resources in both regions.

Currently, there’s a railway connecting oil and mineral-rich regions from the interior to the Atlantic. The valuable resources include rubber, ivory, and minerals that are exported to Western countries, such as the United States. The railway is being extended and modernized with investment from the EU and the U.S. for even more minerals, including cobalt and copper, Politico EU reports.

At the two-day conference, set to wrap up Nov. 25, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will reportedly commit to resetting the relationship with the AU in an effort to boost their ties for future investment.

A Rush To Not Be Sidelined During the EU-AU Summit

African countries are currently the primary suppliers of minerals to Beijing, drawing criticism on whether China is exploiting the continent for resources. Europe, however, wants to approach it more equitably and sustainably.

“The EU has been quite vocal, since the beginning of the raw minerals diplomacy two years ago, saying: We want to be the ethical partner,” Martina Matarazzo, international and EU advocacy coordinator at Resource Matters, said.

In an article published by the Kofi Annan Foundation, strategists caution that Africa and Europe risk being sidelined if they don’t work together.

One reason is that in Europe, there’s currently a demographic deficit, an aging population, labor shortages, and slowing growth. In Africa, strategists say there’s an abundance of youth, energy, and ambition.

A partnership could serve both regions well because where Europe has capital, technology, and advanced infrastructure. African countries have markets, raw materials, and “an unstoppable creative pulse.”

“Their futures are not parallel. They are complementary,” Bitange Ndemo, ambassador of Kenya to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, and Sébastien Brack, representative of the Kofi Annan Foundation to the European Union, wrote. “This interdependence finds expression in many forms, none more visible than the movement of people.”

RELATED CONTENT: UAE Announces $1B Investment In Africa ‘AI For Development Initiative’

Campbell's Soup, Martin Bally, Robert Garza, lawsuit
by Keka Araújo

November 25, 2025

Campbell’s VP Slammed In Lawsuit After Alleged Racist, Classist Rant About Coworkers And Products

Black–owned food company Goode Food’s CEO came through with a word for folks.

A massive corporate upheaval is underway at the Campbell Soup Company after a federal lawsuit revealed an explosive audio recording in which a vice resident allegedly delivered a racist, classist, and profane tirade about coworkers and the quality—or lack thereof—regarding the company’s food products.

The lawsuit, filed by former security analyst Robert Garza last week in Wayne County, Michigan, accused Campbell’s of retaliatory termination after Garza reported the contents of the recording, prompting the company to place the executive on immediate leave.

Racial Slurs and Customer Derision Aired

According to the complaint, Garza recorded Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Martin Bally during a November 2024 meeting that quickly devolved from a salary discussion into an hour-long, unhinged rant. The recording reportedly captured Bally making multiple derogatory remarks about employees of Indian descent.

The lawsuit claims Bally labeled Indian employees as “idiots” and claimed they “couldn’t think for their f–ing selves.”

In addition to the alleged racial remarks, the executive reportedly mocked the company’s customer base and products, stating: “We have s–t for f–king poor people. Who buys our s–t? I don’t buy Campbell’s products barely anymore. It’s not healthy now that I know what the f—‘s in it.”

Bally also allegedly joked he avoided the company’s chicken soup because the meat came from a “3-D printer” and admitted to using marijuana edibles before coming to work. Garza said he kept the recording for weeks out of “pure disgust,” needing time to process the content. In January 2025, he said that he reported Bally’s behavior—specifically the racist remarks—to his supervisor, JD Aupperle.

On Jan. 30, 2025, Garza, who had no prior disciplinary actions or formal write-ups during his employment, was abruptly terminated. “He had never had any disciplinary action; they had never written him up for work performance,” Garza’s lawyer, Zachary Runyan, said.

Garza’s lawsuit asserted he was fired in retaliation for disclosing the vice president’s gross misconduct and accused the corporation of maintaining a racially hostile work environment. The ex-employee received no follow-up from human resources or any other company representative regarding an investigation or explanation for his termination.

In a statement, Campbell’s confirmed the upheaval. “We want to make sure you know the facts. Robert Garza, a former Campbell’s employee, recently released an alleged audio recording of him speaking with Campbell’s VP of Information Technology, Martin Bally, in connection with a lawsuit Mr. Garza filed against the company.

“If the comments heard on the audio recording were in fact made by Mr. Bally, they are unacceptable. Such language does not reflect our values and the culture of our company. We do not tolerate that kind of language under any circumstances. Mr. Bally is temporarily on leave while we conduct an investigation,” the statement continued.

“We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use to provide consumers with good food at a good value. We know that millions of people use Campbell’s products, and we’re honored by the trust they put in us. The comments heard on the recording about our food are not only inaccurate—they are patently absurd. The chicken meat in our soups comes from long-trusted, USDA-approved U.S. suppliers and meets our high-quality standards. All our soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat. Any claims to the contrary are completely false.

“Keep in mind, the alleged comments heard on the audio were made by a person in IT, who has nothing to do with how we make our food.”

Black–owned food company Goode Food’s CEO came through with a word for folks who sought great-quality, affordable, non-GMO foods from a non-bigoted company.

“The Campbell’s Soup VP got caught mocking the same people who keep their lights on… and admitting their products aren’t even real food. This is exactly why family-owned brands matter. We don’t hide. We show up. We answer. We care,” the Instagram caption read. “Corporate America treats food like a science experiment—families treat it like nourishment. Choose brands that actually respect you. #campbell #grocery #food.”

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Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 25, 2025

New Leaked Video Reveals Diddy At Work In Prison

The entertainment mogul is seen in prison gear and sporting grey hair

TMZ recently posted a video of entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs walking down a hallway and speaking to another prisoner, the first to show him in prison garb and sporting a full head of gray hair.

The silent video clip reveals two scenes: one of them shows Diddy leaving his work assignment at Fort Dix on Nov. 21. He reportedly works in the prison’s media library, distributing movies and religious materials to inmates. The first scene shows the “No Way Out” music producer wearing a gray prison uniform and a brown knit cap, walking through a room with other inmates, some of whom are sitting as he passes. The next scene shows him walking out of a room, holding what looks like a DVD case, as he stops to talk to someone in the hall. After a brief conversation, he then walks away from the inmate he was speaking to. In the video, you can clearly see the gray hairs on his head and under his chin.

Diddy is presently serving a 50-month prison term in New Jersey after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act in July.

Diddy has been at the Fort Dix facility since Oct. 30, after spending over a year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He was arrested in September 2024. His expected release date is May 28, 2028, or sooner if he completes a drug treatment program at the facility.

However, Diddy’s look-alike son, King Combs, has revealed that his father may be enjoying the holidays with family, according to TMZ. The rapper was seen at LAX in Los Angeles when the media outlet’s cameras approached him. When asked how Diddy was and how the family would cope for the upcoming holidays, Combs said, “Watch out, he might come home before then.” When pressed on whether his father was going to get a pardon and whether they’d heard from the White House, he kept walking into an elevator, threw up the letter L (for Love), and smiled for the cameras.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Is Reportedly Making Millions From Prison By Renting Out His Gulfstream G550

Angel Reese
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Angel Reese And Reebok Join Forces To Support High School Girls Basketball At Her Alma Mater

Reese is supporting many girls basketball teams with new gear, including at her former high school.

Reebok and the Angel C. Reese Foundation are putting their best foot forward to support girls’ basketball.

The foundation, created by the WNBA star, has partnered with collaborator Reebok to gift Reese’s high school alma mater some new kicks. According to WWD, the parties will support the girls’ basketball team at Saint Frances Academy for the upcoming season.

The partnership will not only deck out the young girl athletes in the latest Angel Reese 1 Sneakers. The venture will also provide Reebook warm-up sets and jerseys for the girls to arrive at games in style.

The Angel Reese 1 has already made waves across in footwear, with the sold-out collection captivating many sneakerheads for its colorways. Since its September release, it has debuted new colorways paying homage to Reese’s hometown and more.

Now, her Baltimore high school will be one of the select schools to rock Reese’s staple shoes as she branches out to support youth sports. Founded in 2023, her foundation provides programming and resources to help girls elevate their game, finances, and more.

“Empowering the next generation of young female athletes has always been my mission, and giving back to the community that raised me makes it even more special,” Reese said in a statement. “Saint Frances was pivotal in my journey as an athlete, and through this partnership, I want to give young Panther athletes the resources, the confidence, and the inspiration to chase their dreams too.”

Reese has continued to build her brand as a fashion icon, WNBA star player, and champion of women’s sports. Now, players inspired by her will wear her apparel as she continues to revolutionize the sport.

“To have the support from Angel and Reebok is an honor,” said Nytearia Burrell, Saint Frances Girls Basketball head coach, in a statement. “Angel is a pillar of inspiration for these young girls, and I’m excited to see the team excel on and off the court through this partnership.”

To add to the partnership, Reese will also host a special practice during the season to help the girls with their development on and off the court.

RELATED CONTENT: Rights Reserved! Angel Reese Is Officially Her Own Brand As WNBA Star Trademarks Name



Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar, Berlin, international, film festival,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Lupita Nyong’o Offered ‘Slave Ship’ Roles After Oscar Win for ’12 Years A Slave’

The actress spoke of her stifling role options after winning the coveted award.

Lupita Nyong’o is getting real about her acting career since winning an Oscar in 2013 for 12 Years A Slave.

The acclaimed actress, who won the Academy Award for her captivating performance as enslaved woman Patsey, told CNN Inside Africa about how she only received offers for similar roles yet refused to play into the stereotypes.

“My winning an Academy Award came at the very start of my career,” Nyong’o, 42, said. “It was for the first film I had ever done. So, it really did set the paces for everything I’ve done since. What’s very interesting is that after I won the Academy Award, you’d think like, ‘Oh, I’m going to get the lead roles here and there.’ But it’s ‘Oh, Lupita. We’d like you to do another movie where you’re a slave, but this time you’re on a slave ship.’ Those are the kinds of offers [I was getting] in the months after winning my Academy Award.”

As others began to notice her name on fewer movie posters, Nyong’o had to block out the noise. She remained adamant about following her heart and mind by choosing roles she felt aligned with her values. She even called the moment immediately after winning a “very tender time.”

“There is an expectation for you and your career,” she continued. “There were think pieces about, is this the beginning or the end of this African woman’s career? I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because at the end of the day I am not a theory…I am an actual person. I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African. If that means I work one less job a year to ensure that I am not perpetuating these stereotypes that are expected of people from my content, then let me do that.”

She still starred in some Blockbuster hits such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Black Panther. However, fans also saw her take on more culturally-enriching roles in films like Queen of Katwe.

However, Hollywood pressure still got to the Us actress. Last year, she told Trevor Noah on his What Now? podcast about her subconscious decision to lose her Kenyan accent to appeal to the American film market.

Her plight is a similar experience many Black actors in Hollywood have felt before. With pay gaps and a lack of opportunities besides stereotypical roles, Black actors have voiced the fight for just and equitable representation in films.

More sure of her art and voice today, Nyong’o is reaffirming her pride in her Kenyan-Mexican identity and face as a Black actress in Hollywood. She will grace the big screen again in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming blockbuster adaptation of The Odyssey.

RELATED CONTENT: Oscar-Winning Lupita Nyong’o To Lead Jury At 74th Berlin International Film Festival

Olivia Yacé, Ms. Universe, renouce, Ivory Coast
by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

Ms. Universe Contestant Olivia Yacé Renounces Title, Stating ‘I Must Remain True To My Values’

The Miss Universe Africa and Oceania runner up revealed her decision only three days after the conclusion of the pageant.

The Ms. Universe Pageant concluded with an unexpected twist: fourth runner-up Olivia Yace renounced her affiliation with the organization shortly after placing.

As the Côte d’Ivoire representative, Yacé posted a message to Instagram explaining her decision. The Miss Universe Africa and Oceania runner-up revealed her decision only three days after the pageant concluded on Nov. 21. Yacé stated that, to remain true to her core principles, she must sever her relationship with the organization.

“As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity, the strongest pillars that guide me,” Yacé wrote.

Though she is renouncing her affiliation, she intends to move forward in roles that advance the betterment of young women and girls. In concluding her post, Yacé encouraged others to continue entering pageant spaces and other spaces where they are underrepresented. 

“I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected,” she stated. “Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”

The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) confirmed the withdrawal shortly after, issuing a statement that noted the action was for “personal convenience of her electoral mandates.” The COMICI formally notified the Miss Universe Organization of the removal of the Ivorian representative from all titles conferred by the international body.

The organization announced the relinquishing of the titles and asserted that the decision was mutual between the COMICI and Yacé.

“Olivia YACE therefore relinquishes her title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, effective immediately. Miss Olivia YACE, Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, will formally return her Africa & Oceania sash to the organization to ensure that no one is unaware of this and to attest to this joint decision,” the post read.
 

The Miss Universe Organization has not yet publicly commented on Yacé’s resignation. However brief her participation in the event, Yacé made history. She was the first woman from Côte d’Ivoire to place in the Top 5 of the international competition.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Miss Universe Jamaica Contestant Dies In Apparent Suicide

Haiti, france, reparation, Haitians, Haitian Heritage Month
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 25, 2025

That’s Wild! White Men Indicted For Plot To Invade Haitian Island And Enslave Women And Children

Two white men are facing life in prison for their plot to invade a Haitian island and enslave the women and children.

Two white men from North Texas have been indicted for plotting to invade a Haitian island, intending to kill its men and enslave its women and children.

Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle, were recently indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country, as well as production of child pornography, Fox 4 News reports. The indictment reveals the charges stem from a year-long investigation into the pair’s plan to travel to Gonâve Island in the Republic of Haiti to attempt a coup d’état.

A detailed outline shows that between August 2024 and July 2025, Weisenburg and Thomas planned their attack, including purchasing a boat, sailing to Gonâve Island, home to roughly 87,000 people, killing all the men, seizing control by force, and enslaving the women and children.

“The co-conspirators conducted research, reconnaissance, recruiting, planning, and sought training to effectuate their plan,” the indictment reads. “It was the goal of the conspiracy to take military control of the Island of Gonâve by murdering all the men on the island and capturing all the women.”

The suspects are accused of trying to recruit others to assist with the coup, both online and in person, between August 2024 and May 2025, including efforts to enlist homeless individuals from Washington, D.C. Weisenburg and Thomas are also charged with coercing a minor to perform sexual acts on camera on Aug. 31, 2024.

Prosecutors allege that Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 2025 to gain military training “useful in carrying out their armed coup.” In August 2024, Weisenburg enrolled in the North Texas Fire Academy in Rockwall, Texas, to prepare for the coup but dropped out nearly six months later, the indictment states.

Both men reportedly studied Haitian Creole and researched weapons and ammunition, including military-grade rifles. They planned to transport firearms, ammunition, and explosives by sailboat. Weisenburg also traveled to Thailand to enroll in sailing school to prepare for the voyage to Haiti, but never attended the classes due to cost.

Weisenburg and Thomas each face up to life in federal prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and 15 to 30 years if found guilty of producing child pornography. The investigation involves the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Salina Police Department.

RELATED CONTENT: Florida Emergency Division Sued For Payment After Company Assisted Americans Evacuate Haiti

Michael Jai White, Bruce Lee
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 25, 2025

Michael Jai White First Non-Asian to Win Asian World Film Festival’s Bruce Lee Award

'Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF!'

Action star Michael Jai White made history when he accepted an award at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), becoming the first non-Asian to receive an honor.

The actor, who initially got his start as a martial artist before becoming an actor, posted a message on his social media accounts about receiving the coveted award.

“Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF! Shannon Lee, Bruce’s daughter and head of the Bruce Lee Foundation, is also a longtime friend and Wushu classmate of mine who’s made me the first non-Asian to receive the award. Her father was, and is, the greatest and most inspirational martial artist to have walked the earth. This honor is the most heartfelt award I could ever receive! I don’t know who “Tony, Emmy or Oscar” were, but I damn sure know Bruce Lee! 🙏🏾🥋👍🏾💪🏾😊 #brucelee #honor #award #martialarts #karate #ufc #mma #grateful #kyokushin“

According to the North Dallas Gazette, the Bruce Lee Award was presented to White by the legendary martial artist’s daughter, Shannon Lee, who is also a close friend of the actor. Lee (Nov. 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) is considered by most to be the best and most popular martial artist to grace the world.

White is currently starring in “Carl Weber’s The Family Business,” which premiered its sixth season in October on BET+. He plays Vegas Duncan, one of the sons of Ernie Hudson’s character, Lavernius “L.C.” Duncan, a crime boss who runs a legitimate automobile business with his sons. The series also stars Darrin Henson, Tami Roman, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Sean Ringgold, and Valarie Pettiford in lead roles.

He also stars in the action-comedy “Hostile Takeover,” airing now on STARZ, where he portrays hitman Pete Strykyr.

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