Taylor Edwards, gamecocks, TSU, Tennessee state university

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 6, 2025

Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Found Dead After Police Chase

Kneeland was 24 years old.

Second-year Dallas Cowboys defensive player Marshawn Kneeland was discovered dead Thursday, Nov. 6, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The team announced Kneeland’s death that day.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”

pic.twitter.com/CbP3WAm2IB

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 6, 2025

Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown after he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in the Cowboys’ Nov. 3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

ESPN reported that the Frisco (Texas) Police stated Kneeland was found after they responded to a call from the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist in locating a vehicle.

According to police, the person evaded the DPS troopers as the car was being pursued around 10:39 p.m. CT on Nov. 5. The vehicle crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway, and according to a police report, Kneeland fled the scene as officers searched with assistance from the K-9 and drone units.

Kneeland was found about three hours later. While searching for him, police officers said they received information that the defensive end “expressed suicidal ideations.”

Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan University. This season, an injury kept him out of two games, but he had 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries.

His rookie season also saw him miss six games due to a knee injury. For his first year, he recorded 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, 13 quarterback pressures, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.

In a statement, the NFL said it was “deeply saddened” by Kneeland’s death and that it has “offered support and counseling resources” to the Cowboys.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 6, 2025

‘One For The Books’: Jeezy Residency Breaks Guinness World Record

Jeezy’s performance, held Nov. 1 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, featured a 101-piece orchestra.

Jay Jenkins, also known as rapper Jeezy, broke a Guinness World Record with a Las Vegas orchestral performance.

He’s earned his Guinness World Record entry for performing with the largest orchestra ever assembled for a hip-hop concert, according to Guinness. Jeezy is a current headliner for a Las Vegas residency. The Atlanta rapper was surprised on stage at the Thug Motivation:101 Live when Guinness adjudicator Andy Glass presented the certification.

The performance, held Nov. 1 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, featured a 101-piece orchestra arranged by Derrick Hodge and conducted by Adam Blackstone. The event also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Jeezy’s debut album, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101.

In an Instagram post, Jenkins expressed his gratitude and acknowledged his place in history.

“It is always been my purpose to motivate and inspire my culture. Thank you to everyone involved for believing in my vision. Couldn’t have done it without you. This one’s for the books… literally,” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @jeezy

Guinness officials later confirmed the record on their website, noting that orchestral participation was independently verified under standard rules for ensemble size and synchronization.

Jeezy’s Las Vegas residency continues through Dec. 21. The buzz surrounding the show has led to added dates following record demand. Jeezy’s performance shows the growing demand for live-band hip-hop experiences.

Other legacy hip-hop acts have preceded him in the space. Jay-Z’s 2012 orchestral show at Carnegie Hall was one of the first instances of a hip-hop artist fusing classical instrumentation with the art form.

Nas’s symphonic tour is the latest example. The icon performed Illmatic: Live at Synovus Bank Amphitheater in Atlanta. Like Jeezy, Nas’s performance drew on deep nostalgia, charm, and beautiful string arrangements. The successful pairing of classical and hip-hop may be a way to keep the genre at the forefront. Subsequently, the merger can create a new experience for audiences who have been appreciating the original offerings for more than two decades. Only time will tell if this new companionship of sound has legs.

by Jameelah Mullen

November 6, 2025

In This Economy? Maryland’s New Speed Cameras Could Cost You $425

Think twice before exceeding the speed limit or lending out your car.

The state of Maryland implemented a new law that may put a hefty dent in drivers’ wallets. A law that went into effect on Oct 1 introduced a new provision that beefed up speed camera fines to up to $425.

Before the law went into effect, all drivers caught on camera violating speed limits received a flat $40 fine. Fines will now depend on how fast the driver was going. Those who exceed the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more will get a $40 ticket. A driver going 16 mph to 19 mph over the limit faces a $70 fine. This increases to $120 for drivers exceeding the limit by 20 mph to 29 mph. For 30 mph to 39 mph over the limit, drivers face a $230 fine, which jumps to $425 for exceeding the posted limit by 40 mph or more.

The controversial law is introduced as the state seeks to crack down on “super speeders,” defined as drivers who exceed the speed limit by large margins and are sometimes repeat offenders. Lawmakers point out that super speeders pose a danger to the entire community.

“The math is simple; the higher the speeds, the higher the injury, whether you’re in a car, walking, or riding a bike,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated in a press release.

The camera will snap a photo of the speeding vehicle and automatically send a ticket to the registered address associated with the license plate, so drivers are most likely unaware they have a ticket until they receive it in the mail. Vehicle owners are responsible for the fines if they lend their car to someone else.

Last month, another new law took effect in the state, increasing penalties for reckless driving. Reckless driving is defined as going at least 30 miles per hour above the speed limit, meaning drivers can now be charged if they are caught going at least 30 mph over the limit.

Those accused of reckless driving can face up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and six license points.

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 6, 2025

Delta’s CEO Slammed By U.S. Reps Over AI That May Hike Flight Costs

If airlines were caught using AI to gauge prices, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency would investigate.

A group of two-dozen Democratic members of Congress is getting to the bottom of Delta Air Lines’ use of generative A.I. to set ticket prices, raising consumer privacy concerns in a letter to CEO Ed Bastian, Reuters reports.

In a letter dated Nov. 5, lawmakers, including Reps. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, (IL) Jerrold Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Dan Goldman (NY) asked Delta to disclose if its decision to use AI is to boost prices through “individualized, surveillance-based price discrimination.”

First raising the issue in July, lawmakers feel that airline’s use of AI could expose personal data or consumers’ internet usage. For example, if a potential flyer visits a resort website, the airline could identify when people want to travel most, leading to higher ticket prices.

The Democratic group is stepping in as they feel the airline didn’t properly address their initial concern. And with the government shutdown plaguing the airline industry, lawmakers feel consumers deserve answers.

“At a time when Americans are struggling to afford necessities, the airline industry is already highly concentrated, and generative AI is being deployed throughout the economy with limited transparency. This move could drive up prices for consumers and result in individualized, surveillance-based price discrimination,” the letter read, according to a press release from Garcia.

“And while Delta claims it has ‘strict safeguards to ensure compliance with federal law, it has not explained what those safeguards are, provided any meaningful transparency into its agreement with Fetcherr or the data that is being used to train the generative AI-powered algorithms, or otherwise provided evidence that it is not moving towards surveillance pricing.”

In response, the airline said “there is no fare product Delta has ever used, is testing or plans to use that targets customers with individualized offers based on personal information or otherwise.” But in early 2025, the airline announced plans to adopt a AI-based revenue management technology for 20% of its domestic network by the end of the year by working with AI pricing company Fetcherr.

Other airlines have announced plans for AI usage, but not for pricing. Luxury airline Emirates said it is using the software to predict bumpy turbulence on flights, as experts claim that climate change is increasing the likelihood of severe turbulence.

Democratic lawmakers Greg Casar and Rashida Tlaib, who also signed the letter, introduced legislation that would ban companies from using AI to set prices based on the personal data of American consumers—specifically targeting the airline industry. The letter highlighted how Delta President Glen Hauenstein previously stated the airline would use generative AI-powered pricing to guarantee airfares are tailored to “that flight, on that time, to you, the individual.”

If airlines were caught using AI to gauge prices, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency would issue an investigation. “We would engage very strongly if any company tries to use AI to price their seating individually,” Duffy said.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 6, 2025

Charlamagne Urges Democrats To End Government Shutdown: ‘They Lost, It’s Over’

Charlamagne urges Democrats to end the government shutdown since health insurance premiums have already risen.

As the government shutdown continues, Charlamagne Tha God is urging Democrats to succumb to the GOP and call a truce, since health insurance premiums have already gone up.

The Breakfast Club host spoke on the radio show on Nov. 3, urging action to end the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. According to Charlamagne, Democrats should meet with their Republican counterparts to end the shutdown and alleviate the impact on American families, including lost wages for federal workers and disrupted SNAP benefits for over 40 million recipients.

Citing Donald Trump’s recent “60 Minutes” interview, Charlamagne argued that Democrats appear to be fighting over healthcare issues that were already settled earlier this year upon the passing of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

“The healthcare is going to go up anyway because of the ‘big beautiful bill,’ because that didn’t include the extension of the tax credits to keep the costs down,” Charlamagne said around the 4-minute mark. “So, if it’s going up anyway, what’s the point of Democrats taking the stand to keep the government still closed?”

He continued, “And the premiums are set for a year. So at this point, if the premiums have already gone up, if they’re set for a year, at least give the people some relief and get the government back open.”

Charlamagne praised Democrats for holding firm in their efforts to preserve health insurance subsidies that will help an estimated 20 million Americans avoid higher premiums. Still, he argued that the public deserves some “relief,” adding that he feels Democrats have already lost the fight.

“Democrats, you fought,” he said. “It seems like you lost the fight. At this point, you know, go on and give it up. At least give the people some relief by getting the government back open. Let these people get these SNAP benefits. Let these government workers get their checks. We don’t need all this craziness at the TSA during the holidays. Like, I think you lost … I feel like they lost. It’s over.”

During a later segment of the show, Charlamagne highlighted the challenges that everyday Americans are facing as the government shutdown approaches 40 days.

“I really don’t think people get it,” he said. “67 percent of the country is living paycheck to paycheck. People really be taking for granted the blessings that they have when they don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck.”

Negotiations between GOP and Democratic leaders continue as Democrats work to strike a deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Some Democratic senators, buoyed by recent election wins, are pressing to secure tangible health care gains before conceding to the GOP.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture revised its SNAP reduction plan to provide more partial benefits in November, though some recipients may still see significantly reduced aid. The Trump administration also announced a 10% cut in air traffic at 40 airports—including major hubs—starting Nov. 7 if no agreement is reached, potentially affecting thousands of flights.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 6, 2025

Girl, Bye! Megyn Kelly Weighs In On Michelle Obama’s Hair—And No One Asked Her To

The Megyn Kelly Show thought it prudent to comment on Michelle Obama’s life experiences.

Megyn Kelly has thoughts about former first lady Michelle Obama’s comments on wearing natural hair while in the White House.

During the Nov. 4 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly thought it prudent to counter points made by Obama on a press tour for her new book, The Look.

In The Look Obama writes about feeling pressure to straighten her hair to meet public expectations.

“As women of color, the way our hair naturally grows out of our head is beautiful, but if we struggle to make it look like the standard, that means we are spending thousands of hours and lots of money straightening out what is naturally curly hair,” Obama said. “And that takes time out of your life. It costs money.”

Michelle Obama describes the struggle many women of color face

Having to straighten "naturally curly hair" to fit in. pic.twitter.com/qCjJcmNxqF
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) October 29, 2025

Kelly countered on air, calling Obama’s perspective “bull—”

With no clue about the Black experience, Kelly took the “All lives matter” approach in her retort. She believes the issue of hair is universal.

“Black women can walk around with whatever hair they want.” She added, “Virtually every woman I know spends a ton of time on her hair and wants it to look better than God made it. It’s not a Black thing. It’s a human thing, and it’s especially a woman thing.”

"She acts like she was persecuted after being the First Lady of The United States…”@walterkirn on Michelle Obama's new book tour full of racial complaining and talking about her hair.

Watch below, and subscribe:https://t.co/Y12z2uLeBJ pic.twitter.com/Eg29QCNarK
— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) November 3, 2025

To Black women and others who cared to embrace the nuance of the conversation, Obama’s point was clear. As the first Black first lady, she faced increased public scrutiny.

Legislation such as the Crown Act exists to expressly combat discrimination based on one’s hair, which is proven to occur. The Crown Act bans hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools.

Obama’s The Look was released on Oct. 29. In the book, she revisits her fashion choices as symbols of visibility and resilience.

“It became clear that I was being held to a very different standard,” she writes. “Yet the upside was the number of women who told me they felt more comfortable showing their arms after seeing me in these dresses or tops.”

Kelly’s remarks only further Obama’s point. Long after the first lady has left the White House, her public image remains a topic of discussion.

IRS, Taxes, IRS tax, changes, deductions, 401k, IRA, paychecks,

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 6, 2025

Here’s What Taxpayers Need To Know About IRS Direct File Ending In 2026

The Direct File program was one of the targets of the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, under the leadership of billionaire Elon Musk, as soon as the group took over the White House.

The Trump administration has confirmed that the electronic tax filing system, known as IRS Direct File, won’t be offered in 2026, Associated Press reports.

Internal Revenue Service official Cynthia Noe sent a note to state comptrollers that participate in the Direct File program announcing that “IRS Direct File will not be available in Filing Season 2026. No launch date has been set for the future.” During a Nov. 5 press conference, Treasury Secretary and current IRS commissioner Scott Bessent said there are “better alternatives” to Direct File and claimed it wasn’t used very much.” “And we think that the private sector can do a better job,” he continued.

Users say the opposite. Users credited the former President Joe Biden-era program for making tax filing efficient, easy, fast, and, most importantly, economical. As a pilot program, Direct File was rolled out in 2024 following the agency’s tasking with exploring ways to create a “direct file” system using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act that Biden signed into law in 2022. The Democratic-led administration spent millions of dollars developing the program, and it was made permanent in May 2024.

But the successful program faced criticism from Republican lawmakers, who claimed it was a waste of taxpayer dollars because free filing programs already exist from commercial tax preparation companies. In addition to being difficult to use, the companies also cashed in on these programs, making billions by charging people for usage.

The Direct File program was one of the targets of the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, under the leadership of billionaire Elon Musk, as soon as the group took over the White House in January. Keeping their April 2025 promise of eliminating the program, the Direct File website states that “Direct File is closed. More information will be available at a later date.”

According to Forbes, Bessent once committed to keeping the program available for the 2025 tax season, but things changed once the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed in May 2025. The Act’s final version includes a provision that will create a task force to report on the “cost of enhancing and establishing public-private partnerships which provide for free tax filing for up to 70 percent of all taxpayers calculated by adjusted gross income, and to replace any direct e-file programs run by the Internal Revenue Service.”

In addition, the team will scope out the public opinions on “a taxpayer-funded, government-run service or a free service provided by the private sector.” The task force’s creation has a hefty price tag of $15,000,000, just as the Inflation Reduction Act did for the Direct File.

Industry experts don’t seem surprised by Trump’s team’s moves. Adam Ruben, vice president at the Economic Security Project, said this administration is all about the rich.

“Trump’s billionaire friends get favors while honest, hardworking Americans will pay more to file their taxes,” he said.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 6, 2025

Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Hosts ‘Demo Day’ In Miami To Celebrate Future Entrepreneurs

The two-day festivities will showcase the future of entrepreneurship.

Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition will host its fifth annual Demo Day to champion diverse entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Pharrell-founded initiative will bring a cohort of trailblazing founders, visionaries, icons, and investors to connect with those next up to change their industries. The two-day festivities, starting Nov. 14, aim to amplify the work and vision of Black and Brown entrepreneurs. For Pharrell, this platform offers diverse leaders the spotlight and funding often denied them.

The Demo Day will award the 2025 Black Ambition Prize. With almost 2,500 entrepreneurial applicants, 25 finalists will receive awards of over $1 million in funding. The top prize winner will earn $100,000, with 19 other finalists securing $50,000 each for their ideas. The prize will also award 5 HBCU Pre-Accelerator winners with $20,000 each, with a People’s Choice Award winner earning $25,000.

Day One, emceed by comedian Jay Pharoah, will feature founder showcases and alumni spotlights of previous winners. Attendees will also witness a fireside chat between Pharrell and Mellody Hobson, President and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments. At the Fundable Founders Forum taking place the following day, its schedule will include masterclass experiences focused on uplifting and connecting this network of thinkers and founders, while further exploring the rise of previous Black Ambition prize winners.

Pharrell released a statement on the “brilliance” of these underrepresented visionaries. He also emphasized how Black Ambition has built a pathway to bring their ideas to life.

“There’s so much brilliance out there that never gets seen, Pharrell shared in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“So many ideas that could change the world if they just had a chance. That’s why we built Black Ambition — to make sure talent doesn’t stop at potential. It has the chance to be seen, funded, and believed in. It’s about turning vision into reality, and making opportunity something everyone can touch.”

With mentorship, programming, and funding opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, Demo Day continues to change the tide and diversify business in all sectors. Celebrating five years of fostering change, Black Ambition also seeks to be the difference for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, helping them get the support they need to revolutionize their industries.

Access changes everything,” added Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition. “Five years proves that our impact is real, but the future demands more. More scale…More courage…More investment in founders who are rewriting what’s possible. In this climate, scaling isn’t just growth, it’s survival, power, and legacy.”

Free registration is available for Demo Day at The Sacred Space Miami. Tickets are also available for the Fundable Founders Forum.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Jameelah Mullen

November 6, 2025

Nephew Tommy’s ‘Black College Quiz’ Reruns Bring FAMU Student’s Historic Win And Heartfelt Story Back to Life

The history-making Rattler graduated from the HBCU in 2024.

Florida A&M University alumna Jalauria Mills is back in the spotlight after reruns of the Black College Quiz television show, hosted by Tommy “Nephew Tommy” Miles of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, resurfaced online.

Mills was the first FAMU student to appear on the academic quiz show featuring college students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The series showcases students who demonstrate their knowledge of Black history and culture in hopes of winning scholarship prizes.

During her fall semester at FAMU, Mills, a history major, took a class taught by her department chair, Tiffany Packer, Ph.D., who approached her about the chance to appear on College Quiz.

Mills noted that after getting accepted on the show, she received a 200-page study guide and had one month to prepare.

“I did feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m usually pretty good when it comes to studying. I am great at committing things to memory because I’m a musician, and I came to FAMU on a choir scholarship… so one of the things I learned over the course of years is that I can remember things better if I turn it into a song,” Mills told FAMU News.

A week after receiving her acceptance letter to the show, Mills’ friend and former roommate died unexpectedly. Her grief caused her to take two weeks off from studying. However, she noted that her friend would want her to participate in the show. Drawing strength from her friend’s memory to carry on, Mills resumed her studies.

The competition started with 36 contestants, and Mills reached the final eight. She said she is proud of her achievements on the show and of securing funds to help pay for her college expenses. She notes that her experience on the show taught her a lot about HBCU culture.

The 2024 FAMU graduate expressed her gratitude for competing amid anti-DEI initiatives that have sought to remove Black history from educational curricula.

“I felt honored to compete, she said. “Especially at a time like this, where history is undervalued and people don’t see the importance in educating themselves in HBCU history or Black culture, so it felt honoring to bring light to our history,” Mills told the outlet.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 6, 2025

Emagine Theater’s Sale Directly Complicates Big Sean’s Mission To Bring A New Theater To Detroit

The Sean Anderson Theatre Powered by Emagine will not be built after the sale to Kinepolis Group NV

A planned movie theater, to be called the Sean Anderson Theatre Powered by Emagine, named after Detroit rapper Big Sean, who was a partner in the venture, will not come to fruition after a Belgian movie theater chain, Kinepolis Group NV, purchased the Emagine theater franchise.

According to Crain’s Detroit Business, the planned venture between Sean and Emagine was announced in 2018, with the expectation that the venue would combine a movie theater and a music venue. However, with the recent acquisition by the Kinepolis Group, the company, along with Emagine’s chairman and CEO, Paul Glantz, states that it does not expect to build any new movie theaters.

After COVID-19 hit the world, the prospect of building the venue decreased as people chose not to attend the theater as they had before. Glantz said the movie theater business has excessive supply, making construction of a new theater unlikely.

“The industry is 35% attendance compared to pre-COVID,” Glantz said. “There is a thought that more capacity needs to come out of the market as opposed to being added to the market, and that works against new builds and expansion.”

When the planned venue was announced over seven years ago, there wasn’t a site for the movie theater. There was speculation that it would be built in various areas of Detroit, including Michigan Central Station and land owned by Wayne State University. Yet, when COVID hit two years after the partnership was announced, theaters across the country shut down to prevent the spread of the pandemic among the public.

The Sean Anderson Theatre Powered by Emagine was slated to have 10 to 12 screens, with an expected capacity of between 1,000 and 1,300 people.

The Belgian movie theater chain announced on Nov. 4 that it was acquiring 14 Emagine theaters for a reported $105 million, with the price potentially rising to $120 million based on U.S. box office performance. The sale is anticipated to be done by year’s end.