Pras Michel, tour, conviction, FBI, Fugees, rapper

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2025

Fugees Member Pras Sentenced To 14 Years In Federal Prison

In 2023, the recording artist was found guilty on 10 charges, including witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of a foreign government, China.

Fugees group member, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Nov. 20, after the recording artist was found guilty on 10 counts, including witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of a foreign government in 2023.

According to The Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly gave him the 14-year sentence after federal prosecutors requested that he be given a life sentence because he “betrayed his country for money” and “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes.”

Pras’s attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, told the court that his client should be given a three-year prison sentence, as a life sentence would be an “absurdly high” punishment, especially when compared to what is given to deadly terrorists and drug cartel leaders.

🚨 BREAKING: Fugees star Pras Michel has been sentenced to 14 years for funneling foreign money into Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign.

Prosecutors say he took over $120 million from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low, used straw donors to pass it along, and later tried to shut down a DOJ… pic.twitter.com/gqsGaddWI6

— Digi Gal 🌸 (@DigitalGalX) November 21, 2025

The “Ghetto Superstar” rapper, who did not speak at the hearing, will appeal the decision, Zeidenberg stated. He feels that his client’s sentence is “completely disproportionate to the offense.”

Pras’s representative, Erica Dumas, released a written statement to Billboard.

“Pras has spent his career breaking barriers and defying expectations. While today marks a difficult moment, it is not the end of his story or his legacy. He is profoundly grateful for the continued support of those who believe in him as he prepares for what lies ahead.”

On Oct. 30, a federal judge ordered the Brooklyn native to surrender more than $64 million to the U.S. government.

In 2019, Pras was arrested and charged after being accused of funneling money from fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, who is purported to be the mastermind of a billion-dollar 1MDB embezzlement scheme, in a lobbying campaign aimed at persuading the Trump administration (during his first presidency) to drop its investigation into the financier.

The rapper was also accused of secretly funneling Low’s money to President Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, and trying to influence an extradition case on behalf of China.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Bill, Environmental Hazards

by Mitti Hicks

November 21, 2025

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Pushing For Action To Address Unemployment Rate For Black Women

According to the report, the unemployment rate for Black women is 7.5%. Rep. Pressley, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, is calling on the Federal Reserve to take action.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is pushing for action to address the unemployment rate for Black women following the release of the September jobs report. The report, which was delayed over the government shutdown, reveals a troubling trend: Black women are affected the most.

According to the report, the unemployment rate for Black women is 7.5%. Rep. Pressley, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, is calling on the Federal Reserve to take action.

“These numbers are damning and confirm what we’ve long known to be true: under Donald J. Trump, Black women continue to face a crisis of disproportionately high unemployment,” said Pressley.

Pressley added that Trump’s “reckless mass firings,” along with a growing affordability crisis, and relentless attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, have hurt Black women in the workforce.

“As the primary breadwinners for many households, Black women are the backbones of our families and our economy,” said Pressley. “Their systematic pushout not only has dangerous consequences for Black women, Black families, Black futures. It is also a glaring red flag for the entire U.S. economy.”

A Weakening Economy, Experts Warn Amid Jobs Report Release

A little more than a month after its scheduled release date of Oct. 3, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) September jobs report was released after the most extended government shutdown in history. According to the report, 119,000 jobs were added in September, but experts warn that the numbers are a little more complex than that and reveal a slowdown in the labor market.

The unemployment rate jumped to 4.4% in September, up from 4.3% and the pace of wage growth slowed. Then, companies such as Amazon, General Motors, IBM, Microsoft, and others announced plans to lay off tens of thousands of employees.

Experts at the Center for American Progress say the uncertainty brought on by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, the “slash-and-burn” of the federal government, and historic cuts to healthcare and social services have led to a hiring slowdown and layoffs.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Calls On The Fed To Intervene On Behalf Of Black Women

In a letter addressed to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Pressley asked for the Fed to take immediate action.

“The U.S. Federal Reserve has a statutory mandate to promote maximum employment, and that must be true for all people, regardless of race and gender,” Pressley wrote.

According to the congresswoman, 6.7% of Black women faced unemployment in August 2025, a figure above the national average of 4.3%.

“This disparity should not go overlooked as unemployment of Black women is a key metric of the health of the U.S. economy,” she said.

The congresswoman noted that Black women are more likely than any other demographic group to be enrolled in higher education. Black women also represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs and are disproportionately the breadwinners for their families.

by Mary Spiller

November 21, 2025

TSA Wants to Include $18 Fee For Plane Travelers Without REAL ID

The fee would cover the cost of TSA’s upgraded verification technology.

Air travelers who show up to airport checkpoints without a REAL ID or passport could soon face an additional cost under a new federal proposal. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to introduce an $18 identity-verification fee as part of a broader shift toward biometric screening, according to a rule slated for publication in the Federal Register.

Under the proposal, passengers missing the required identification would be processed through TSA’s upgraded verification system, which uses a combination of biometric and biographical data to confirm identity before granting access to the checkpoint. The agency says the fee would help offset the cost of deploying and maintaining the technology.

According to the notice, the payment would give travelers clearance to pass through TSA checkpoints for up to 10 days, allowing them to fly again within that window without an additional charge.

TSA has not indicated when the system will go into effect, but the publishing of the proposed rule will trigger a public comment period. The agency emphasized that the process does not guarantee “that an individual’s identity will be verified or that the individual will be provided access to the sterile area of the airport.”

Travelers using the alternative system may also encounter longer screening times or added security steps.

The shift is intended to replace TSA’s current manual identity-verification process. Officials say the enhanced system will make identity checks quicker and more efficient while also strengthening security. The agency notes that the $18 fee is non-refundable and tied solely to the resources required to support the upgraded technology.

The move comes as federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act—passed by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission—finally took effect in May after years of delays. The law requires states to issue driver’s licenses and IDs that meet federal security standards for use in domestic air travel.

A TSA spokesperson described the proposed rule to ABC News as part of the broader effort to complete REAL ID implementation. The spokesperson added that TSA is coordinating with “stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints,” and that additional updates will be released soon.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2025

Report: Bill Cosby Sells Manhattan Townhouse For $28 Million, Avoids Foreclosure

Cosby paid $6.3 million for the townhouse in 1990.

Billy Cosby has sold his New York City townhouse for a reported $28 million.

According to Realtor.com, the home was listed by the actor in September at $29 million, sold for $1 million less than the asking price, and closed Nov. 9. The property is located on 71st Street on the east side of Manhattan. The house was close to going into foreclosure.

Bill Cosby sold his debt-ridden NYC townhouse for a massive profit — avoiding foreclosure https://t.co/sIcQU62vMT pic.twitter.com/sYE9ig3kAB
— New York Post (@nypost) November 17, 2025

Cosby did make a profit on the home. He only paid $6.3 million when he purchased it in 1990. He and his wife, Camille, reportedly took out $17.5 million in loans against the property. First Foundation Bank filed a lawsuit against the couple in the Manhattan Supreme Court on Dec. 31, 2024, accusing them of defaulting on a loan.

The bank stated in the suit that Cosby defaulted on two loans: one totaling $12.25 million, taken in 2010, and another totaling $5.25 million, taken in 2014. The “Uptown Saturday Night” actor has not repaid the loan. He allegedly stopped repaying the loan on June 1, 2024, and was given a default notice on Nov. 18, 2024. Cosby was also accused of failing to pay property taxes totaling more than $300,000.

The couple had until Dec. 12, 2024, to pay back the loan, but First Foundation stated they had not done so.

Cosby’s troubles are not over. CitiMortgage claims he defaulted on a $4.2 million loan, and the Cosbies owe $3.7 million, plus interest and fees. The home was put up for sale in April for an asking price of $6.9 million, but was reduced to $6.75 million in July.

The disgraced comedian has been mostly unseen since the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court overturned his sex assault conviction in 2021, citing a previous agreement that prevented him from being charged for the crime in the first place. Cosby had already served two years of his three-to-10-year sentence. In 2018, Cosby was found guilty and sentenced for sexually assaulting and drugging Andrea Constand at his home in 2004.

Firefighter, lawSuit , Racist Harassment, Noose

by Mary Spiller

November 21, 2025

Coast Guard Faces Backlash After Softening Classification Of Swastikas And Nooses

The new policy rebrands widely recognized hate symbols as merely “potentially divisive"

The U.S. Coast Guard is drawing intense criticism after unveiling a new policy that no longer designates swastikas, nooses, and related extremist emblems as hate symbols. Instead, beginning Dec. 15, the service will categorize them as “potentially divisive,” according to internal documents reviewed by The Washington Post.

Under the updated rules, these symbols fall into a downgraded category that stops short of explicitly defining them as tied to racial, ethnic, or religious intimidation.

While the Confederate flag remains banned in most contexts, the policy makes room for certain historical or artistic displays. The shift comes as the Coast Guard aligns its internal standards with the Trump administration’s broader effort to scale back existing regulations on harassment and hazing across the military. In September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a government-wide reassessment, arguing that current rules were “overly broad” and harming combat readiness.

Initially declining public comment, the Coast Guard later responded after the Post‘s. Spokeswoman Jennifer Plozai said the service “disagreed with The Post’s reporting” but planned to reassess the policy language.

In a statement attributed to Adm. Kevin Lunday, the acting commandant, the service avoided explaining the shift but maintained that swastikas, nooses, and similar imagery “violate our core values and are treated with the seriousness they warrant.” He later sent a force-wide email reiterating that such symbols are “prohibited,” though the policy itself leaves ambiguity over when or whether commanders must act. The revised guidelines, Lunday wrote, are intended to “streamline administrative requirements.”

A comparison of the new rules with prior guidance reveals a clear change in tone. A 2023 policy had listed a swastika, noose, and Confederate symbols among items automatically considered “potential hate incidents” because hate-based groups “co-opted or adopted them as symbols of supremacy.” The new wording instead places them in the category of “potentially divisive symbols,” alongside flags or imagery used by extremist groups.

One Coast Guard official familiar with the revisions called the move deeply troubling. “We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said.

The changes arrive after a year of upheaval inside the service. Former commandant Adm. Linda Fagan—the first woman to lead any U.S. military branch—was removed on President Donald Trump’s first day in office amid criticism of her diversity efforts and her handling of sexual-assault cases. Lunday, who halted the Coast Guard’s hazing and harassment policies within days of Fagan’s firing, has since been nominated to succeed her permanently. His Senate confirmation hearing took place this week.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) urged the administration to reverse course on the revised policy, warning that weakening standards “sends the wrong message” as antisemitism rises globally. The policy’s language, she said, “could allow for horrifically hateful symbols like swastikas and nooses to be inexplicably permitted to be displayed.”

The new rules also impose a 45-day deadline for reporting such symbols—a substantial change that critics say disadvantages personnel deployed at sea.

“If you are at sea, and your shipmate has a swastika in their rack…are you going to feel safe reporting that?” the Coast Guard official asked.

Jewish-American leaders also condemned the revisions. Rabbi Jonah Pesner wrote to Lunday that “there is no context aside from the educational or historical in which a swastika is not a hate symbol,” calling the policy shift “an indelible stain.”

The Coast Guard said it removed the term “hate incident” entirely and folded such cases under general harassment rules. Meanwhile, other military branches are reviewing similar policies—though none appear to have softened explicit language around swastikas.

RELATED CONTENT: Hazing of African American Student with Noose

by Kandiss Edwards

November 21, 2025

Prayers Up! Miss Universe Jamaica Takes A Tumble In Her Evening Gown

Gabrielle Henry was taken to a hospital in Bangkok after a “major fall.”

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry is recovering after what organizers called a “major fall” from the main stage.

Henry took the tumble during the preliminary evening gown round of the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand.

Video of the incident shows Henry slipping while walking in an orange gown and high heels. She then fell from the front of the stage as attendees stood in shock.

The footage shared on Instagram shows Henry posing at center stage before turning and losing her footing. The clip then shows people rushing to help the fallen pageant queen.

Hours after the fall, the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization released a public statement confirming that Henry “experienced a fall from the main stage during the evening gown round” and had been transported for immediate medical evaluation in Bangkok.

The organization later posted an update stating, “She was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries. However, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miss Universe Jamaica (@officialmissuniversejamaica)

Miss Universe Organization President Raúl Rocha also shared that he visited Henry in the hospital.

“I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is under good care,” Rocha said.

Rocha added that he had spoken with Jamaica’s national team and promised ongoing support while she recovers.

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A post shared by Raul Rocha (@raulrocha777)

The incident unfolded during a contentious time for the Miss Universe organization. Tension has been brewing at the event since it began. Earlier in the competition, a contestant expressed displeasure at insensitive remarks made in front of dozens of contestants. Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico, said she was “singled out” and criticized by pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil at an official event. Itsaragrisil’s remarks prompted Bosch and other contestants to walk out of the room. Rocha later apologized to Bosch, calling the behavior “unacceptable.”

Despite the chaos, organizers say Henry remains in positive spirits. The Miss Universe Jamaica team asked supporters to “stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care.”

They thanked fans for their “outpouring of love and support” as Henry continues tests and observation ahead of the Miss Universe finals this weekend.

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN, Stephen A. Smith

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Reveals Why He ‘Negotiated’ Leaving ESPN’s ‘NBA Countdown’

Stephen A. Smith says it was his decision to step away from ESPN’s "NBA Countdown," not the network’s.

Stephen A. Smith said he “negotiated” being removed from ESPN’s NBA Countdown as part of his $100 million contract.

On the Nov. 18 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the sports commentator addressed ESPN’s Nov. 17 announcement that a “new-look NBA Countdown” was coming—without him. Despite speculation that Smith, a longtime fixture on the show and a leading face of ESPN’s NBA coverage, was being pushed out, he clarified it was quite the opposite.

“I didn’t want to be on the show,” Smith declared. “I negotiated coming off of it.”

My reaction to the NBA Countdown “news”

Full video: https://t.co/iOcjHtzo6V pic.twitter.com/4RwEZNIxW8
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 18, 2025

The new NBA Countdown lineup includes host Malika Andrews and analysts Brian Windhorst, Michael Malone, and Kendrick Perkins, with frequent appearances by NBA insider Shams Charania.

”Now I love doing NBA Countdown, but once the countdown show is over, I got other things to do than to be in studio, watching the doubleheader, and coming on at halftimes,” he explained. “I got other stuff that I want to do, to prepare for First Take the next day, the next morning, and to do an abundance of other things that I aspire to do.

Aside from hosting First Take, Smith has his own production company and two SiriusXM shows,

He also pointed out that his departure from NBA Countdown is not breaking news. In March, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Smith would no longer be a regular on ESPN’s NBA pregame show.

ESPN later confirmed that his contract does not require him to appear regularly on any program other than First Take. Still, the outspoken broadcaster will continue making guest appearances on various ESPN shows, including NBA Countdown.

“If they need me in L.A. for NBA Countdown, I’ll be there,” Smith said on his show. “Matter of fact, I have days in my contract to be there. I just don’t have to be there full-time.”

by Kandiss Edwards

November 21, 2025

NFL Legend Jerry Rice Serves Up $667K To Clear School Lunch Debt

Jerry Rice and is wife, Latisha, are feeding the children!

Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice and his wife, Latisha Pelayo, have donated more than $667,000 to pay off lunch debt at 103 schools across the United States, a move that school officials say will lift a weight off thousands of families.

Rice, known for his record-setting career with the San Francisco 49ers, said the donation comes from a place of empathy.

“No child should ever step into a classroom hungry,” Rice reportedly said.

BREAKING: NFL Legend Jerry Rice and Wife erase $667,000 in School Lunch Debt Across 103 Schools — "A Victory Greater Than the Super Bowl" ❤️
Jerry Rice and his wife have wiped out over $667,000 in unpaid school lunch debt, benefiting thousands of children across the country. 👍🏾👍🏾 pic.twitter.com/Q0TgyrRoYy
— PoloMan (@polo_man404) November 15, 2025

According to AfroTech, the donation is part of a broader philanthropic campaign ignited after Rice visited an elementary school in the Bay Area. The Hall of Famer observed how unpaid lunch debt can affect student morale and learning. The donation covers balances at more than 100 schools in multiple states, including districts in California and other regions. By clearing the debts, Rice and his wife hope to reduce stigma and remove a barrier to academic focus.

District administrators from affected schools praised the gesture as “life-changing” for families. One district reported that dozens of students would no longer have to worry about owing money for meals or being restricted in cafeteria access.

The action arrives amid a national trend. Unpaid lunch balances have increased since pandemic-era waivers ended and food costs rose. The School Nutrition Association reported that nearly 90% of responding school districts say lunch debt is growing faster than they can cover it.

Beyond the immediate relief, Rice’s gift may spur his peers to feed those in need. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs have pledged to match his funding and expand the effort to additional California districts. Additionally, former NFL player Steve Young has teamed with Rice to fund food shelters this holiday season.

Lunch debt nationwide has climbed in recent years as pandemic-era federal waivers expired and districts resumed charging for meals. According to the School Nutrition Association’s 2024 report, nearly 97% of surveyed districts reported growing unpaid balances. Mississippi administrators have said that families in rural counties often face the most strain because wages have not kept pace with increasing food costs.

by Mitti Hicks

November 21, 2025

September Jobs Report Shows ‘Weakening’ Labor Market, Experts Warn

According to the Center for American Progress, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals a weakening economy brought on by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and historic cuts to healthcare and social services.

A little more than a month after its scheduled release date of Oct. 3, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) September jobs report was released after the longest government shutdown in history.

While the U.S. added 119,000 jobs in September, the report, released Thursday, paints a grim picture and shows signs of a weakening labor market.

The unemployment rate jumped to 4.4% in September, up from 4.3% and the pace of wage growth slowed. This comes as no surprise to economists following a series of layoffs from high-profile companies. Amazon, General Motors, IBM, Microsoft, Paramount, Target, UPS, and Verizon all announced plans to lay off tens of thousands of people.

Roughly 39,000 workers received layoff notices in October, according to data from the Cleveland Federal Reserve. Another report from the research firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas counted 153,000 job cuts in October.

According to NBC News, unemployed people are having a harder time finding jobs. On average, it takes nearly six months to find employment, the worst reading since November 2017. As the American Progress Center notes, women of color are hurt the most, as it takes them longer to find a job.

Jobs Hurt By Tariff Polices, Historic Cuts

According to the Center for American Progress, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals a weakening economy brought on by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, the “slash-and-burn” of the federal government, and historic cuts to healthcare and social services.

“The resulting uncertainty for employers has led to a hiring slowdown and some to turn to layoffs,” the center said in a news release.

Unfortunately, the longer people are unemployed, the greater the risk of losing support. In at least 16 states, unemployment insurance benefits end before the standard 26 weeks.

“This is especially concerning for women of color, who are more likely to live in states with shorter time windows, as they are far more likely to be primary breadwinners and provide income that is vital to their families’ economic security,” the Center for American Progress notes.

Jobs data collected for October will be released on Dec. 16 as part of the full report covering November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 21, 2025

Smokey Robinson Slapped With Second Sexual Assault Lawsuit

“These plaintiffs are part of the same group of people who have conspired together against the Robinsons and are layering out their claims for maximum adverse publicity," Robinson's attorneys said in a statement.

Smokey Robinson has been accused of sexual assault by a new Jane and John Doe.

This suit was filed by the anonymous plaintiffs alleges that Robinson exposed his genitals while John Doe worked for him, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

John also alleged Robinson walked around in his underwear openly fondling himself as John detailed and cleaned Robinson’s vehicles.

His employment began in 2013. The harassment began early and escalated over the years. In 2022, Robinson allegedly attempted to forcefully make John Doe rub his genitalia. He quit shortly thereafter. In the new lawsuit, Jane Doe says Robinson attempted to do the same with her.

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A post shared by Ice Cream Conversations® (@icecreamconvos_)

“These plaintiffs are part of the same group of people who have conspired together against the Robinsons and are layering out their claims for maximum adverse publicity,” Robinson’s attorneys said in a statement.

The attorneys are requesting full disclosure of the identities of each plaintiff. Additionally, they are seeking access to all depositions and evidence held by the opposition.

“This group of people, who hide behind anonymity, and their attorneys seek global publicity while making the ugliest of false allegations.”

Though Robinson said he is “appalled” at the allegations, the Cruisin crooner has been mostly silent. He has yet to speak at length publicly on the matter. The 85-year-old has filed a $500 million defamation and elder abuse lawsuit against the first group of plaintiffs.

In the filings, both Smokey and his wife, Frances, claim the anonymous women, his housekeepers, associated with the first lawsuit made “gratuitous and slanderous allegations,” which are false, Independent reported. They say they treated their employees as “extended family” and provided photos and text messages of the women spending holidays and vacations with them. The Robinsons also claimed they helped the women with personal issues and included them in their vacations.

A pretrial hearing on the most recent will be held on January 6, 2026. A trial date for the housekeepers’ case, which was revealed in May, is set for October 2027.