flights, Government Shutdown, Staff Shortage

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 9, 2025

Thousands Of Flights Canceled, Delayed Amid Government Shutdown Staff Shortage

Ticket-holders should be wary of mass flight cancellations ahead of holiday travel.

Flight cancellations skyrocket to over 1,500 as the government shutdown continues.

With thousands of delays as well, air travelers are feeling the woes at the airport. Many feel worried before and after arriving at the airport about whether they will make it to their destination on time, or even at all.

The late evening of Nov. 8 saw 1,521 flights nixed from the schedules of major airlines such as Delta, United, and American. According to ABC News, this figure has already surpassed the previous day’s 1,024 cancellations. With over 6,400 additional delays, flying during this typically popular travel season has felt like a nightmare to many.

The cancellations follow a government order to reduce flight traffic by 10% in the skies, as the shutdown has sparked staffing shortages, particularly in Air Traffic Control. By that same evening, more than 40 ATC staffing triggers occurred across the United States, sparking delays amid the mandated cancellation.

However, experts warned that further reductions could occur if the government does not reopen. As America prepares for its busy holiday travel, increased flight cancellations could cause chaos at airports nationwide. Thus far, the mandate has primarily affected 40 major airports, including airline hubs at ATL, LAX, and JFK, among others.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared his hope of getting the government back on track to avoid further decline. Duffy warned that the agency could require airlines to reduce flights by over 10% if the shutdown continues.

“My hope is that this government shutdown will end soon and we can get back in the business of letting Americans travel,” Duffy said in a Nov. 7 interview with ABC News Live.

Airport workers from TSA to the ATC have gone without a full paycheck since the Oct. 1 shutdown. The lack of pay has resulted in many calling out, often due to the inability to afford reporting for duty.

This has primarily impacted the top airlines within the U.S. Delta has seen the most flight cancellations, axing 7% of its initial flight roster. American, United, and Southwest have had 3% of their flights cancelled. All airlines have reported delays ranging from 25% to 30% of total flights.

Fortunately, those flying internationally will have their trips prioritized and less affected by the reduction mandate. Duffy said agreements with international hubs have prevented them from removing these flights from airline schedules.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Records With Most-Viewed Music Trailer Ever

The upcoming film 'Michael,' starring Jaafar Jackson and directed by Antoine Fuqua, sets a new benchmark for biopic buzz with over 116 million trailer views in 24 hours.

There’s no disputing Michael Jackson’s lasting title as the “King of Pop,” and now his legacy is setting new records—this time on the big screen. The teaser trailer for “Michael,” the upcoming biopic chronicling the life of the late superstar, has officially become the most-watched trailer for any music-focused film in history.

According to WaveMetrix, the preview, released Nov. 6, drew an astonishing 116.2 million views worldwide in its first 24 hours. The milestone surpassed both “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” (96.1 million views) and “Bob Marley: One Love” (60.1 million views), making it the top-performing trailer not just among biopics but across Lionsgate’s entire film catalog.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”), “Michael” stars Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his debut role portraying his legendary uncle. The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, and Larenz Tate. The film is set for theatrical and IMAX release on April 24, 2026, and may even expand into two parts.

When the project was first announced, Jaafar Jackson shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.” Since then, he’s posted behind-the-scenes photos capturing his uncle’s iconic moves, along with promotional images for the film.

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According to the official synopsis, “Michael” tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from his discovery as the lead of the Jackson Five to his evolution into the world’s most influential entertainer. The film promises to explore both the artist’s public triumphs and his private struggles, giving audiences “a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.”

Lionsgate executives are already considering expanding the project into multiple films after seeing Fuqua’s initial three-and-a-half-hour director’s cut. Adam Fogelson, chair of the studio’s Motion Picture Group, praised the film’s scope and emotional depth, saying to IMDb, “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.”

Kentucky, Louisville, Small Business, grant

by Kandiss Edwards

November 9, 2025

Philly Trails Behind Other Metro Cities In Black-Business Ownership, Report

Philadelphia launched a $5 million grant program to help businesses flourish in the city.

A new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts reveals that while Black business ownership in Philadelphia has grown over the last decade, the city still trails its metro-area peers.

The Nov. 5 report compares Philadelphia with 12 major U.S. counties. Cities include Baltimore, Denver, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, New York, New Orleans, and others from 2012 to 2022.

The study found that Philadelphia’s total business density reached 111 per 1,000 residents in 2022, up from 82 in 2012. Though growth rose during the 10-year span, the city remains below the national average of 129 per 1,000.

Thomas Ginsberg, lead author of the report, said, “Improving business ownership . . . is about access to the networks, capital, and opportunity that allow firms to grow and persist.”

For local economic development professionals, the report signals that closing the city’s racial and gender gaps in business ownership will require more than that.

“We’re trying to build a durable ecosystem, not just a grant here or a tax break there,” said Sara Williams, executive director of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania.

While strides have been made, Philadelphia needs more scalable strategies to compete on the same footing with peer cities when it comes to inclusive entrepreneurship.

To combat the declining small business numbers, Philadelphia has launched the $5 million Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund. Under the initiative, firms generating less than $2 million in annual revenue may apply for grants of up to $50,000. Businesses must demonstrate growth potential and local economic impact.

In a statement, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said the fund is “not just about grants — it’s about accelerating success” and that entrepreneurs of color will be able to build firms that generate jobs and wealth across generations.

Measuring success isn’t just about how many businesses launch. It’s about how many persist. Additionally, the success of the city’s initiative is measured by how many firms scale up, boosting local economic impact. Bridging the ownership gap will require this layered infrastructure. With the city’s dedicated funding and policy initiatives, Philadelphia may move into a position that will aid in turning numbers into meaningful change.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Abraham Lincoln Letter Reveals His Advocacy For Black Valet Shunned By Staff

A newly donated handwritten note from 1861 sheds light on Lincoln’s stance against racial prejudice in the White House is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

A simple letter of recommendation written by Abraham Lincoln in 1861 offers a rare glimpse into the humanity and social awareness of a president navigating a deeply divided nation. The document, recently donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum by private collector Peter Tuite, is now on display in Springfield, Illinois. The note, written just weeks after Lincoln’s inauguration, was a plea on behalf of William Johnson, a young Black man who had served Lincoln faithfully as his valet and driver. Despite his loyalty, Johnson faced rejection from other White House staffers because of his darker skin tone.

“The difference of color between him and the other servants is the cause of our separation,” Lincoln wrote in the March 16, 1861, letter to Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, according to The Associated Press.

The president’s request was straightforward — he hoped Johnson might secure a position under Welles’ supervision. However, the Navy Secretary responded that no roles were available at the time. Still, the letter stands as an early and personal example of Lincoln’s empathy, especially remarkable at a moment when the nation teetered on the brink of civil war.

Christina Shutt, executive director of the Lincoln museum, called the note “a piece of history with layer upon layer of meaning.” She added, as reported by the Associated Press, “We see him trying to help a friend. We see that even the new president cannot casually hand out jobs. We see issues of class and color within the White House.”

Johnson eventually found a position at the Treasury Department later that year. He remained close to Lincoln, shaving him daily and even accompanying him to Pennsylvania for the Gettysburg Address. When Lincoln fell ill with smallpox shortly after the trip, Johnson cared for him — only to contract the disease himself and die in early 1864.

Historian James Conroy noted that the letter reflects Lincoln’s consistent compassion toward others, regardless of race or status. “Nobody can question that Lincoln was a very kindly guy, very empathetic, trying to help people when he could,” he said.

After Johnson’s death, Lincoln personally handled his final wages and paid for his coffin.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Studio Museum In Harlem Reopens With Landmark Basquiat Acquisition

After years of renovation, the Studio Museum in Harlem unveils its new home and celebrates a major addition to its collection — a rare Jean-Michel Basquiat painting gifted by longtime supporters.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is preparing to reopen its doors on Nov. 15, revealing not only a striking new building but also a historic acquisition that cements its cultural significance. Among the many works now part of its collection is “Bayou,” the first Jean-Michel Basquiat painting to join the museum’s permanent holdings.

The painting, a gift from financier Joseph Perella and his wife, Amy, was donated in 2023. Perella, a mentor to Raymond J. McGuire—Studio Museum board chair and a prominent figure in the art world—played a key role in facilitating the contribution.

While Basquiat’s name is instantly recognizable, his presence in major U.S. museum collections remains surprisingly limited. The acquisition is therefore a milestone for the institution dedicated to celebrating Black artists and their creative legacies, ARTnews reports.

The Museum of Modern Art, for instance, has showcased Basquiat’s “Glenn” (1985) but only as a borrowed piece from a private collector. As art critic Bob Nickas once noted, MoMA’s reliance on loans underscores the “absence of a Basquiat” in its own collection—an unspoken invitation for donors to fill the gap. One such donor appears to have answered that call, not at MoMA, but at the Studio Museum.

Other institutions have fared only slightly better. The Whitney Museum of American Art acquired Hollywood Africans (1983) decades ago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art obtained its first Basquiat works in 2021.

“Bayou,” Basquiat’s 1984 work, is rich with layered imagery and text—a signature of his style. It features fragments of a multiplication table, a thinly drawn hand, and words like “WASTEWATER” and “SOUTH,” perhaps nodding to the artist’s time in New Orleans and his reflections on geography, race, and history. The piece was likely displayed in 1985 at Galerie Bruno Bischofberger in Zurich, the gallery instrumental in propelling Basquiat’s international fame.

Now, decades later, “Bayou” has returned to Harlem, the neighborhood where Basquiat’s story began. With its reopening, the Studio Museum not only reclaims its role as a hub for Black artistry but also ensures that Basquiat’s voice—one that redefined American art—has a lasting home in the city that shaped him.

Miami Heat,Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers' Head Coach, Chauncey Billups

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 9, 2025

Basketball Phenom Tyran Stokes Withdraws From Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks High School

"We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success," said Athletic Director Alec Moss.

The No. 1 high school basketball player, Tyran Stokes, will no longer play for Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks High School in Los Angeles, according to the school.

According to Sports Illustrated, Stokes has withdrawn from the high school program, a year after transferring there from Napa Prolific Prep. Athletic Director Alec Moss released a statement to acknowledge Stokes’s exit from the school.

“Notre Dame High School acknowledges Tyran Stokes’ decision to withdraw and explore new opportunities. We appreciate the contributions he made to our basketball program and community during his time here. We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success.”

There has been no announcement from Stokes on where he intends to play this season, but he will have plenty of options, being the No. 1-ranked player in the states.

After the 6-foot-8 forward transferred to Notre Dame in July 2024, he helped lead the team to the CIF Southern Section Open Division finals earlier this year in March. The team lost the finals to Eastvale Roosevelt.

The athlete has not been at school this week, and it has been reported that he was facing disciplinary action after several altercations with other students. He was a two-sport athlete after deciding to join the school’s football squad this season, as he was on the field Sept. 26 for a contest against Culver City. He only suited up for two more games (out of five) due to a suspension.

Stokes missed the basketball team’s photo day, and the team’s Midnight Madness event was canceled this week.

Last season, Stokes averaged 21 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, earning All-CIF and All-Mission League honors. He was also selected to the High School On SI All-SoCal Team.

He has reportedly narrowed his college choices to the University of Kentucky, the University of Oregon, and the University of Kansas.

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police

by Kandiss Edwards

November 8, 2025

TikTok Creator Brenay Kennard Sued $3.5M In ‘Alienation Of Affection’ Lawsuit

The trial has gone viral not only for the evidence but also because of the millions being sought.

TikTok creator Brenay Kennard, known online as @LifeofBrenay, is defending herself in an “alienation of affection” suit for allegedly sleeping with her best friend’s husband. Kennard has more than 3 million followers across social media platforms TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

The suit, brought by Akira Montague, seeks $3.5 million in damages from Kennard for having an affair with her husband, Timothy Montague.

In the lawsuit, Akira claims that Kennard engaged in a relationship with her then-husband, Timothy, while they were still married. Additionally, Montague asserts that Kennard shared images of her children on social platforms and publicly engaged in a relationship with Timothy before their divorce was finalized.

Due to the salacious claims being made in the courtroom, bloggers and other content creators have invested interest in the proceedings. The case has gone viral and is also attracting attention because North Carolina is one of only a handful of states where a spouse can sue a third party for allegedly interfering in a marriage. Others include Mississippi, Hawaii, New Mexico, Utah, and South Dakota.

Popular TikTok creator @I’mNotALawyer recapped the case for people who have not been following along.

@imnotalawyerbut
SINCE EVERYONE IS STEALING MY VIDEO – here is the recap VIDEO I did of the Brenay / Akira lawsuit from a while ago. This is the explainer. Don’t support the thieves stealing my stuff lol
♬ original sound – Im Not A Lawyer But

According to People, Montague filed the complaint in May 2024. The suit states that Kennard “created social-media content” with Timothy without Montague’s knowledge or consent and that the posts “attended to an alleged affair,” including via livestream.

The trial has featured testimony from both Timothy, Devon Mayo, Kennard’s ex-husband, who is also a victim of the alleged affair, and other family members. Timothy reportedly told jurors on Nov. 6 that he was “never in love” with Montague and likened their marriage to that of “just roommates.”

Timothy’s claim that he and his wife were “just roommates” undermines one of the essential elements of alienation of affection. According to LegalClarity, the following must be proved to meet the legal criteria:

Happy Marriage

The plaintiff must demonstrate that a happy marriage existed with genuine love and affection between the spouses before the alleged interference. This means showing the marital bond was intact and healthy.

Alienation and Destruction of Affection

The plaintiff must establish that the love and affection within the marriage were alienated and ultimately destroyed. This requires proving a direct causal link between the third party’s actions and the breakdown of the marital relationship.

Malicious and Wrongful Acts

The plaintiff must prove that the malicious and wrongful acts of the third party directly caused the alienation and destruction of the marriage. The third party’s actions do not necessarily need to involve sexual intimacy, but they must be intentional and designed to interfere with the marital relationship. This often requires demonstrating that the third party knew of the existing marriage and deliberately acted to undermine it.

Neither party has issued official statements since the case reached the courtroom, though Kennard has spoken on social media about the proceedings. The trial, which started Nov. 3, is expected to wrap up on Nov. 10.

by Mary Spiller

November 8, 2025

Judge Dismisses Jay-Z Paternity Lawsuit, Ending Years Of Allegations

A judge dismissed Rymir Satterthwaite's paternity lawsuit against Jay-Z with prejudice, meaning it can't be refiled.

A federal judge in California has dismissed with prejudice a paternity lawsuit filed against Jay-Z, putting a definitive end to a years-long legal battle brought by a man named Rymir Satterthwaite claiming to be the rapper’s son.

Court documents obtained by Page Six show that the judge granted the music mogul’s motion to dismiss the case, which had been filed by Rymir Satterthwaite, 30, through his legal guardian and paralegal, Lillie Coley. The ruling means Satterthwaite can no longer bring the same claim or request a DNA test from Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter.

Satterthwaite alleged that his late mother, Wanda Satterthwaite, had a relationship with the “99 Problems” rapper in the 1990s and that Carter fathered him. Jay-Z, 55, has consistently denied the allegations.

Satterthwaite appeared to concede earlier this year that he was stepping back from the case. “I did withdraw my case,” he said in a July 27 Instagram post, adding that he had “plenty going on behind closed doors.” Still, he insisted that his pursuit of the truth was not over, saying, “We got to step back and play chess, not checkers.”

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Attorneys for Jay-Z described the repeated paternity claims as baseless. “The fabricated allegations and claims have been addressed — and rejected — in multiple other courts,” they said, calling the filings “the latest” in a “decades-long” pattern of harassment.

In previous filings, Satterthwaite maintained that his intent was not to seek back child support but to recover damages for “reputational and emotional distress.” He also accused Carter of manipulating the court system to suppress his paternity claims.

The legal dispute dates back to the early 2000s, when Wanda Satterthwaite filed a child support case in New Jersey that was ultimately dismissed for being filed in the wrong jurisdiction. The claim resurfaced in 2014 when Satterthwaite and Coley renewed their petition.

In a 2023 interview, Satterthwaite told the Daily Mail, “This is not going to be over until justice is served.” Jay-Z’s attorney responded that “the allegations have been previously reviewed thoroughly by the courts and have been refuted.”

The dismissal also extended to a related lawsuit filed by Satterthwaite’s godmother and legal guardian, Lillie Coley, who accused Jay-Z of neglect. Coley’s case was thrown out by U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett earlier this week, effectively preventing her from bringing the same allegations again. The ruling also opened the door for Jay-Z’s legal team to seek sanctions and recover attorneys’ fees.

However, the legal fight may not be entirely over. According to a report from AllHipHop’s Grouchy Greg Watkins, Coley has already filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Her filing, submitted on Nov. 5, signals an effort to continue challenging the decision. In her response, Coley said the new appeal will center on “issues not previously considered” by the court, shifting her approach from a standard amendment appeal to a motion for reconsideration.

For years, Jay-Z and his attorneys have repeatedly denied the claims that he secretly fathered Satterthwaite, describing them as unfounded and previously rejected in multiple courts. Despite the string of legal defeats, Coley’s latest move suggests she is not ready to close the chapter just yet.

Jay-Z shares three children — Blue Ivy, 13, and twins Rumi and Sir, 8 — with his wife, Beyoncé.

Metropolitan Police, Met, 30 Patterns of harm, Anti Black, discrimination, London,

by Kandiss Edwards

November 8, 2025

Report Exposes Deep-Rooted Racism At London’s Metropolitan Police

'30 Patterns of Harm: A Structural Review of Systemic Racism Within the London Metropolitan Police Service' tells all.

The Greater London police force, Metropolitan Police Service, has been repeatedly flagged for “systematic racism” in a new report, “30 Patterns of Harm: A Structural Review of Systemic Racism Within the London Metropolitan Police Service.”

The Met, the UK’s largest police department, was reviewed by an independent agency, which led to the release of a 125-page inquiry. Findings found that anti-Black bias is embedded in the force’s systems, culture, and operations. Commissioned by the MPS and Mark Rowley-led Met and authored by Dr. Shereen Daniels, the report sampled four decades of data that concluded racism had become “institutional design.”

In the report, Daniels, a lead investigator, states, “Systemic racism is not a matter of perception. For almost fifty years, reviews of the Metropolitan Police have documented the harm experienced by Black Londoners, officers, and staff. “30 Patterns of Harm” turns the lens around. It examines the institution itself, showing how the Met’s systems, leadership, governance, and culture produce racial harm while protecting the organization from reform.

The report indicates that discriminatory practices rooted in colorism are a norm within police ranks. Dark-skinned officers are frequently labelled “confrontational.” Conversely, lighter-skinned peers received quicker leniency — a disparity rooted in internal bias.

The 125-page report’s findings also drew public ire. Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose son Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993, is letting her displeasure be known. She says Black citizens have been aware of the anti-Black nature of the Met.

“The police must stop telling us that change is coming whilst we continue to suffer,” Lawrence told the BBC.

The Metropolitan Police Service has taken full accountability for the findings.

Promising change on all levels, the Met stated, “We will open meaningful discussions around a set of key themes, including accountability, structural change, equity, internal bias, and the use of police powers, to shape our next steps.”

Kendrick Lamar, top earner, Forbes Drake

by Mary Spiller

November 8, 2025

Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2026 Grammy Nominations As Black Artists Lead The Pack

From Kendrick Lamar’s nine nods to Doechii’s continued rise, this year’s Grammy nominations spotlight a historic showing for Black musicians across major categories.

The 2026 Grammy nominations, revealed Nov. 7, marked a milestone year for Black artists, who led nearly every major category. Kendrick Lamar topped the list with nine nominations, including Album of the Year and Rap Album of the Year for his acclaimed project GNX.

Doechii, who broke out with multiple wins at the 2025 Grammys, scored five nominations this year — largely fueled by her viral hit “Anxiety.” SZA, the Clipse, and Tyler, the Creator each earned five nods as well, solidifying a year of hip-hop and R&B dominance.

For the first time since 2019, three rap albums — Lamar’s “GNX,” Clipse’s “Let God Sort ’Em Out,” and Tyler’s “CHROMAKOPIA” — will compete for Album of the Year. The 2026 ceremony’s eligibility period included releases from Aug. 31, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2025.

Lamar’s performance continues an extraordinary run for the Compton rapper, whose 2025 hit “Not Like Us” swept major categories, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. If Lamar wins four or more trophies next February, he will surpass Jay-Z as the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.

Joining the lineup is rising R&B star Leon Thomas, whose album MUTT and hit single “Yes It Is” earned him nominations for Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance.

Other standout nominees include Kehlani, Kaytranada, Anderson .Paak, FKA twigs, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Ledisi, and Durand Bernarr — a diverse showcase of genre-bending Black artistry shaping today’s sound.

The Grammys also recognized Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which continued its award-season dominance by securing five nominations, making it one of the most celebrated films in Recording Academy history. Despite facing criticism from conservative commentators for its social themes, Sinners has thrived commercially and critically.

In another surprising moment, Fab Morvan — formerly of Milli Vanilli — received a nomination for Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for “You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli.” The nod comes 35 years after Milli Vanilli infamously lost their Best New Artist Grammy in 1990 following revelations that they had not sung on their records.

The duo’s fall from grace remains one of the most dramatic scandals in Grammy history, Billboard reported. Morvan’s return to the nominations list is a rare redemption story—a reminder of the industry’s capacity for both accountability and forgiveness.

With historic nominations, comeback stories, and powerful representation, the 2026 Grammys are poised to celebrate not only the year’s best music but the evolving legacy of Black creativity in American culture.