Texas Southern University Will Part Ways With Coach Clarence McKinney

by Derek Major

November 21, 2023

Texas Southern University Will Part Ways With Coach Clarence McKinney

TSU will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney.

Texas Southern University (TSU) will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney, whose contract will expire Dec. 15.

According to Sports Illustrated, McKinney will finish his time at TSU with a 12-35 record and a 9-26 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in five seasons. In the team’s season finale, the Tigers lost a 35-34 nailbiter to Arkansas-Pine Bluff (APB) after TSU jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead on LaDarius Owens’ three first-quarter touchdowns and a 96-yard fumble return by Canary Simmons.

However, APB scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to overcome the deficit including a blocking a punt that was returned 30 yards by Elijah Jenkins for a TD. APB Quarterback Mekhi Hagens scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with 1:46 left in the game.

After the game, McKinney said he appreciated the opportunity TSU gave him to be a head football coach.

“I appreciate this opportunity. I don’t take for granted to be the head coach of Texas Southern University Tigers,” McKinney said, according to SI. “Growing up in the neighborhood, always hearing the band as a kid. Coming over and playing on the field during those times I was a kid, and playing a little tackle football. It’s a special moment for me to be the head coach at TSU.”

McKinney previously coached at the University of Houston under head coach Kevin Sumlin and at the University of Arizona, where he served as the associate head coach and running backs coach in 2018.

TSU finished this season 3-8 and was 2-6 in the SWAC. Quarterback Jace Wilson led the team in passing with 1,399 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Owens led the Tigers in rushing with 204 carries for 1,399 yards and 11 TDs. Linebacker Jacob Williams was the leader on defense with 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 21, 2023

Unbothered: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Denies Democrats Concern On Biden’s Age

Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term if he's reelected.

President Joe Biden turned 81 on Nov. 20, and his press secretary assured voters that the octagenarian still has his wits about him.

It’s true over here on the campaign side, too. I’ve joined Threads. Follow me there: https://t.co/vhwuw7j0zu. pic.twitter.com/XTdAcxbgEx
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 20, 2023

However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre set the record straight during a press briefing, denying that there is any worry ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A reporter asked Jean-Pierre if there was a response to comments made by David Axelrod, senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, who expressed concern about Biden’s advancing age, potentially keeping him out of the Oval Office.

While saying she can only speak from “behind the scenes,” Jean-Pierre says there is nothing to worry about. “There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes. I can only speak behind the scenes here. There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes, and I’m certainly not going to comment on everybody who has something to say.”

White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says there is "no alarm behind the scenes" when a reporter questioned her about prominent Democrat fundraiser David Axelrod's comments about his concerns over President #Biden's age to the NY Timeshttps://t.co/Ij3JDrQHxV #election2024 pic.twitter.com/JW2zfenYdd
— NTD News (@NTDNews) November 20, 2023

She defended her boss, saying Biden is unmatched in energy and stamina, and age isn’t the issue – it’s about the experience. Jean-Pierre briefly reviewed Biden’s resume, pointing out what he’s done so far in his impressive career.

“I would put him up against anyone. The president has used his experience to pass more bipartisan legislation in recent [times] than any other president. That’s just a fact,” the press secretary said. “It’s something that we have seen this president do, and that’s because of his experience. He’s been able to manage multiple foreign policy challenges. That’s because of his experience.”

Axelrod made headlines with his comments in a New York Times article. He said he believes Biden has a “50-50 shot” of winning reelection.

“He thinks he can cheat nature here, and it’s really risky,” Axelrod said, according to The Hill. “They’ve got a real problem if they’re counting on Trump to win it for them. I remember Hillary Clinton doing that, too.”

Polls show that voters have their eyes on Biden’s age and wonder if he will survive a full four-year term. His Republican colleagues are already questioning his abilities – if he wins, Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term. However, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump won’t be too far behind. At 77, if Trump were to be elected, he would be 82 at the end of a potential second term.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2023

Teenagers Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison After Dragging 73-Year-Old Woman To Death In Carjacking

The New Orleans girls pled guilty to a lesser charge of attempted manslaughter.

Three teenage girls accepted a guilty plea after being accused of dragging a woman to death and severing her arm in the process last year in New Orleans while carjacking the victim’s vehicle.

According to Nola.com, the girls, Briniyah Baker, 17, Lenyra Theophile, 16, and Mar’Qel Curtis, 16, who were accused of killing Linda Frickey and had been charged with second-degree murder, took a plea deal that will send them to prison for 20 years. The teens pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted manslaughter. Another person charged with the crime, John Honore, still faces a second-degree charge. They were all charged as adults.

Just as jury selection was about to begin, the surprise plea was announced by prosecutors on Monday, Nov. 20, at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

Day of jury selection, three of four defendants accused of carjacking and killing Linda Frickey pled guilty to a lesser charge of attempted manslaughter. Briniyah Baker, Lenyra Theophile, and Mar’qel Curtis were sentenced to 20 years. John Honore still set for trial. @wwltv pic.twitter.com/clzJNZFUYP

— Mike McDaniel (@McDanielWWLTV) November 20, 2023

The 73-year-old victim, Frickey, died on March 21, 2022. She was carjacked and dragged alongside her SUV.

Judge Kimya Holmes accepted the plea arrangement that Frickey’s family agreed to, and in handing down the sentences on Monday, she spoke to the defendants. “You are children who decided to play adults…and you affected this whole city.”

Before the girls were sentenced, two spoke to Frickey’s family in court.

Curtis said, “I wish I could go back and change the outcome. (Frickey) seemed like such a nice lady.” She also stated that doing the carjacking was “the worst decision of my life. I’m truly sorry.”

As Baker faced the family, she said, “That’s not what we set out to do and I hope that you all can forgive me.”

Theophile’s defense attorney, Gregory Carter, spoke for her by saying, “We’re tremendously thankful for the grace shown by the Frickey family to help us facilitate this plea — and our thoughts and prayers continue out to them for their loss.”

Frickey’s sister-in-law, Kathy Richard, also spoke to the young girls in giving a victim’s impact statement.

“You don’t take things that don’t belong to you,” Richard said. “You don’t hurt people. There are consequences for everything. You don’t have to be 30 years old to know right from wrong.”

The last suspect, Honore, is facing mandatory life in prison with the chance for parole in 25 years if he is convicted. Honore’s trial will take place on Nov. 27.

by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Rev. Al Sharpton Eulogizes Dexter Wade And Vows Justice In Alleged Cover-Up Of Death

Rev. Al Sharpton pledged to lead the fight for justice against anyone involved in the alleged cover-up of Wade's death.

Roughly 200 mourners gathered Monday, Nov. 20, for the funeral of Dexter Wade, a 37-year-old father killed by an off-duty Jackson, Mississippi, police officer in March.

Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy at New Horizon Church International, pledged to lead the fight for justice against anyone involved in the alleged cover-up of Wade’s death, as reported by WLBT. Sharpton and the National Action Network covered Wade’s funeral expenses.

“His life mattered to his mama and daughters, and we’re going to make it matter all over this country,” Sharpton said.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, District 3 Supervisor David Archie, and Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes were among the attendees. Stokes was the sole representative from Jackson in attendance.

Wade’s death unfolded on I-55 South, just south of McDowell Road, where an off-duty officer ran over Wade while he walked on the interstate.

Despite being a more than 10-year veteran with the Jackson Police Department, the officer failed to inform Wade’s mother, Bettersten, of her son’s death until August. She thanked those who assisted in making her son’s funeral possible. She recounted her efforts to find her son. “Dexter,” she said, “you made it home.”

National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is assisting with the case, revealed that the Hinds County Coroner’s Office confirmed Wade’s identity on March 8 due to delays and an alleged cover-up. Bettersten wasn’t informed of her son’s death until months later.

Wade was buried under marker No. 672 at the county’s pauper’s burial ground, only to be exhumed last week without his family present.

“We hear that the off-duty policeman is Black. That might be true. It was three Black cops that beat Tyre Nichols in Memphis… and we went there [and] they’re all under indictment,” Sharpton said. “I don’t care if he’s Black or white. What he did is wrong. In fact, I’m more offended that you’re Black because you wouldn’t have done that to a young white man.”

Sharpton also addressed the potential motivations behind the delayed notification, questioning whether it was retaliation for Bettersten’s legal action against the police department regarding the death of her brother, George Robinson.

by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Stony Brook Hosts Inaugural Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit

The Renaissance School of Medicine collaborated with Stony Brook’s Black Men in White Coats chapter to organize the first-ever youth summit.

In a concerted effort to address the historical underrepresentation of Black men in the medical field, the Renaissance School of Medicine collaborated with Stony Brook’s Black Men in White Coats chapter to organize the first-ever Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, as reported by the Stony Brook University News.

On Nov. 16, the event welcomed over 500 participants, including 3rd to 12th-grade students, educators, parents, college students, healthcare professionals, and community leaders from Suffolk, Nassau, and New York City.

The Summit, funded by the Renaissance School of Medicine and the University and Hospital Community Relations Office, drew support from over 100 faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine Peter Igarashi, MD, emphasized the importance of increasing diversity in healthcare, saying, “The most important goal today is to promote a diverse healthcare workforce, and the reason for that is that very diverse healthcare teams outperform teams that are not as diverse.”

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Gregson Pigott, MD, shared his experiences as a minority in healthcare, highlighting the impact of representation in the medical profession. He stressed, “Representation matters in all aspects of healthcare for all aspects of this field.” Pigott’s reflections mirrored national trends, showing that patients are more likely to be open about their health concerns with doctors of the same race.

The Summit included workshops for high school students on financial aid, admissions, and various schools within Stony Brook University. Meanwhile, elementary and middle school students engaged in hands-on activities related to medical fields, including interactive experiences with robotic surgery machines and ultrasound machines.

Anthony Giambrone, a fifth-grade teacher, expressed the importance of engaging students, noting, “It’s also great because the people in white coats are all people of color, and all our students are people of color. So they’re seeing themselves in these professions, and hopefully, it will inspire them to see that they can work in these professions.”

The event concluded with remarks from Brian Harper, MD, vice president for Equity and Inclusion and chief medical officer at the New York Institute of Technology. Harper shared personal experiences and emphasized the significance of overcoming obstacles in pursuing success. Raymond Uduba, president of the Stony Brook chapter of Black Men in White Coats, highlighted the event’s importance, providing young Black and brown individuals an opportunity to explore the medical field and gain insights from those working in healthcare.

Frontier Airlines Flight Descends Into Chaos: Passenger Meltdown Captured On Video

by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Frontier Airlines Flight Descends Into Chaos: Passenger Meltdown Captured On Video

A passenger's emotional meltdown aboard a Frontier Airlines flight unfolded, prompting another to intervene with prayers and gospel songs.

Aboard Frontier Airlines flight 1161 on Nov. 16, a passenger’s emotional meltdown unfolded midair, prompting a fellow traveler to intervene with prayers and gospel songs. The chaotic scene, captured in a video uploaded to Reddit, showed a woman sobbing, swearing, and engaging in physical altercations with airline employees, as reported by Daily Mail.

The video starts with the distressed passenger being pulled down the aisle, emitting bloodcurdling screams. A fellow passenger, identified by a gray beanie, attempts to calm her and miraculously succeeds. Meanwhile, tensions escalate with confrontations between passengers and staff and even a call for divine intervention.

https://youtu.be/4JOjT-HifHc?si=knsrw9tp-MbEytaB

A woman in sunglasses exclaims, “Straight Texas style! Imma beat yo a**!”

The woman who had the meltdown begins to scream, “Stop blocking me! I’ve been f***ing kidnapped,” before swinging a punch at one of the employees.

The video then shows a plea over the flight’s speaker system for passengers to remain seated. The drama escalates with the distressed woman climbing over seats and demanding attention.

Another passenger accuses her of being possessed, asserting that only through Jesus Christ can she find help, saying, “And I’m sorry to sound like that, but I’ll tell you right now, Jesus Christ is the way to truth in the life and there’s nobody that’s gonna come to the God, the Father, without Jesus Christ.”

As the distressed passenger reaches the front of the plane, she breaks into singing gospel songs while flight attendants attempt to subdue her.

Despite the chaotic situation, police officers allowed the woman to return to her seat. The flight, which was supposed to travel from Houston to Denver, was ultimately diverted to Dallas.

A woman whose son was on the flight told the Daily Mail, “They had to stop in Dallas to let the crazy lady off, the preacher woman off, and the guy in the white baseball hat off.”

She added that “the crazy lady was punching and assaulting the flight attendant who was blocking her more than once.”

Frontier Airlines has yet to provide an official statement.

The scene bore a resemblance to a previous viral meltdown by a passenger on an American Airlines flight in July, raising concerns about in-flight disturbances and passenger safety.

Family Of California Man Arrested In Venezuela Pleads For His Release As Deadline Looms

by Iman Milner

November 21, 2023

Family Of California Man Arrested In Venezuela Pleads For His Release As Deadline Looms

The family of a California man being detained in Venezuela is calling for his release amid the Biden administration's easing of oil sanctions.

The family of a California man is alleging that he is unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela and is now being held for ransom despite the Biden administration loosening oil sanctions previously imposed on the socialist-run government.

The 38-year-old businessman, Savoi Wright, was arrested on Oct. 24. His family claims that though no criminal charges have been filed, he has not been allowed to see his lawyer and details of his detainment remain hidden, The Associated Press reports.

“It’s a nightmare. It’s like you’re watching a horror movie, but you’re in it,” his mother, Erin Stewart, said. Wright’s family believes the U.S. government has turned its back on the man.

“As Americans, when a loved one is in this horrific situation, you think someone is going to be there to help, and when they don’t, it’s the worst feeling in the world,” said Moizeé Stewart, Wright’s sister. “It’s sickening that they would throw their hands up in the air and say we have no diplomatic relations with Venezuela, so we can’t do anything.”

Wright is one of seven U.S. citizens who have been detained and imprisoned in Venezuela, and his release is dependent upon the turning over of tens of thousands of dollars, The Associated Press reported.

The Biden administration’s deal with Nicolás Maduro’s government will remain in place unless officials fail to meet demands, which include releasing political prisoners as well as U.S. citizens who have been wrongfully detained, by the end of November. Failure to do so would result in the reinstatement of sanctions that were enforced during the Trump presidency, which sought to punish Maduro for interfering with Venezuela’s democratic process.

“Failure to abide by the terms of this arrangement will lead the United States to reverse steps taken,” said U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Some lawmakers claim that Wright’s arrest is another action Maduro took in bad faith. In July 2022, three Americans were arrested, following an alleged trend of detaining unsuspecting Americans along the Colombia-Venezuela border, an area ravaged by criminal gangs and rebels, being jailed.

The Associated Press reported that Americans seeking to enter Venezuela without a visa were especially vulnerable to being used for political bargaining power. Lawmakers allege that Wright’s detainment is Maduro “calling Biden’s bluff” and deem his use of American lives “unacceptable.”

by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

2nd Round Of Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Launched Before The Holiday

The Biden administration has initiated a second round of free at-home tests available through Covidtests.gov.

In anticipation of a potential surge in COVID-19 cases during the winter months, the Biden administration has initiated a second round of free at-home tests available through Covidtests.gov, The Hill reported.

As of Nov. 20, the website began accepting new orders, allowing households to request up to four tests. Those who did not previously order in September are eligible for eight tests. The U.S. government, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has distributed over 1.6 billion free COVID-19 tests to the American public.

HHS has provided over 4 million free tests weekly directly to various facilities, including long-term care facilities, schools, community health centers, and food banks. The direct mailing program, temporarily halted at the end of May to ensure supply availability, was reinstated after HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra confirmed supplies were replenished in September.

Recent market prices for at-home rapid COVID-19 tests average around $11 per test, according to a health policy research group analysis by KFF.

These new test distributions align with recent data indicating that COVID-19 hospitalizations, deaths, and emergency department visits have stabilized after a surge earlier in the fall. While new vaccines became available in September, many Americans have expressed reluctance to get them. According to a KFF survey, half of all adults nationally indicated they would not get the latest COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns about virus contraction.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that just under 15 percent of adults have received an updated shot, although tracking accuracy is limited. As the Biden administration strives to curb the potential winter increase in cases—which historically is a bad time for the flu—the availability of free at-home tests aims to empower individuals to monitor and manage their health during these uncertain times.

Nia DaCosta Skipped ‘The Marvels’ Screening To Celebrate Her 34th Birthday

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2023

Nia DaCosta Skipped ‘The Marvels’ Screening To Celebrate Her 34th Birthday

Director Nia DaCosta is being called out for missing a cast and crew screening of "The Marvels" to attend her own birthday party.

Director Nia DaCosta has been accused of showing a lack of interest and dedication to her latest movie, The Marvels, so missing a cast and crew screening to attend her own birthday party is only adding to the side eyes.

There was a screening of the latest MCU entry Nov. 8 at Westwood’s Fox Village Theatre where cast and crew were expected to take part, according to The Hollywood Reporter. With the screening starting at 7:30 pm, actors were prevented from participating due to the SAG-AFTRA strike that didn’t end until midnight.

But DaCosta was free to attend as the film’s director and expected at the event since she attended the film’s Las Vegas premiere the night before. The Candyman director was a no-show, celebrating her 34th birthday, staffers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe say.

Marvels executive producer Mary Livanos stepped in for DaCosta and introduce the film. Now DaCosta is facing more criticism from Marvel insiders who feel she’s shown a complete disregard for the film and the MCU.

A rep for DaCosta said “it would be quite disrespectful and upsetting to suggest Nia has anything other than adoration for her creative team.” Reportedly the director had no idea the screening was taking place and learned about it when she invited members of the cast and crew to her birthday party.

“Nia would have been there,” the rep added. “She would do anything for her cast and crew.”

The latest incident comes after a Variety interview where DaCosta called out “pockets” of fans for being “virulent and violent and racist—and sexist and homophobic.”

All the while, DaCosta is proud of the glass ceiling she was able to break as the first Black woman to direct an MCU film. “Most people seeing the movie aren’t going to know or care about that,” she said. “For other young Black women who want to be filmmakers, I think it’s important to be an example.”

DaCosta is currently in pre-production on her forthcoming film, Hedda, starring Eve Hewson and Tessa Thompson.

Davido Asks Are We African, Yet? At A.W.A.Y. Festival In Atlanta

by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Davido Asks Are We African, Yet? At A.W.A.Y. Festival In Atlanta

The Atlanta stop brought a fusion of chart-topping sounds and performances by an array of African artists.

The multiplatinum global sensation Davido headlined the inaugural (A.W.A.Y.) Are We African Yet? Festival on Nov. 18. The Atlanta stop brought a fusion of chart-topping sounds and performances by an array of African artists.

The festival, conceived by Davido, promoted cultural exportation and collaboration between Africa and the global music scene. Davido, renowned for his multifaceted collaborations with U.S.-based artists, is a unique bridge connecting continents through the universal language of music.

The lineup for the first annual A.W.A.Y. Festival was an impressive array of talent, featuring not only Davido but artists, including E Cool, King Promise, Lo Jay, Mayor Kun, Musa Keys, Spinall, TXC, and rising Nigerian star Victony. The diverse lineup delivered an unforgettable musical experience, showcasing the rich tapestry of sounds emanating from the African continent.

As the Martell Cognac sponsored event unfolded, attendees rocked out to a celebration of diversity. The festival served as a platform for established stars and provided emerging talents like Lo Jay and Victony an opportunity to shine.

Artists like Davido and Burna Boy have played pivotal roles in bringing Afrobeats to the forefront of the global music scene. According to data from Spotify, Afrobeats saw a significant surge in popularity, with streams increasing by over 200% between 2015 and 2019. Davido’s impact is evident through his chart-topping hits and massive social media following. The music streaming platform Audiomack reported that Burna Boy’s album “Twice as Tall” was one of the most-streamed albums globally in 2020. With Burna Boy’s Grammy win in 2021 for Best Global Music Album, Afrobeats continues to solidify its position as a major player in the global music landscape.

As Davido took the stage alongside a stellar lineup, the The A.W.A.Y. Festival marked a milestone in the global music calendar, reflecting the power of collaboration and African musical heritage.