Travis Scott, Lawsuit, Astroworld Festival

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2025

Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation, Space Center Houston Launch STEM Program For Students

'Opportunities like this are being offered to help enrich our students’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they can not only thrive but also bring back solutions to their communities,' the rapper said.

Rapper Travis Scott and his nonprofit organization, Cactus Jack Foundation, have collaborated with Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, on a STEM program for students looking to pursue careers in engineering, design, and space exploration.

“Opportunities like this are being offered to help enrich our students’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they can not only thrive but also bring back solutions to their communities,” Scott said in a written statement.

In the program, which started Oct. 11, students participate via virtual and in-person workshops. The STEM program will host events on three Saturdays at Cact.Us Design Center-TXRX Labs, a Houston nonprofit makerspace that provides youth with technical skills. The students will interact and learn from NASA engineers about the engineering process, including brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining their solutions.

“Partnering with Space Center Houston is truly a lifelong dream for Travis and the Webster family,” said Jordan Webster, director of education partnerships for the Cactus Jack Foundation. “We have always been inspired by NASA. Through the Cactus Jack Foundation, our mission is to open new educational pathways for youth so they can accelerate in STEM and see themselves as the innovators and explorers of tomorrow. This is just the beginning of what’s to come with Space Center Houston, and we couldn’t be more excited to build a future where our kids can dream bigger than ever before.”

Students in the program will also learn design sketching, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling, systems thinking, and fabrication. Their participation will allow them to develop low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes using advanced digital design software, 3-D printing technology, and state-of-the-art fabrication equipment.

On Dec. 19, the students will present their designs to industry professionals (and Scott) at a final showcase at Space Center Houston.

Bush, Obama, Virginia, New Jersey, Gubernatorial, Clinton,Trump, luncheon

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

The Obama Presidential Center In South Side Chicago Has Opening Date Set For Spring 2026

The 19-acre campus will feature the museum, a sports facility, and more.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center has been years in the making, with an opening date now set for next year.

Located in his honorary hometown of Chicago, the facility will open in the city’s South Side in spring 2026. The Obama Foundation announced the latest update on Oct. 20, offering a virtual preview of the sprawling campus. Former President Obama shared footage of the construction of the museum.

When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities. https://t.co/gW6UCYBCAJ pic.twitter.com/U92thHbAUL
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 18, 2025

“When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities,” wrote Obama.

“As a global center for change,” the foundation plans to engage visitors within and beyond Chicago with this 19-acre space. As an immersive and educational communal hub, the Center will focus on the legacy of the first Black U.S. president and first lady. With plans to host formal and communal engagements —from workshops to exhibits and more —it will bring another renowned attraction to the Windy City.

Its features also include a diverse garden, athletic and events facility, a world-class museum, and a library. The Center hopes to spark change in communities near and far with its purpose-driven programming, offering a variety of options for all visitors.

The museum itself will pay homage to the Obamas’ story as world leaders and change-makers. Its exterior will even feature words from Obama’s speech at the 50th anniversary of the Selma March to Montgomery. Already a historic landmark in the South Side’s Jackson Park, it will boast a collection of exhibitions and galleries documenting his two terms as President.

Its offerings will also detail the full scope of the Obama legacy, as well as his predecessors, whose work led to his presidential appointment. Furthermore, its location hopes to revitalize economic opportunity in the predominantly Black South Side area. Chicago now awaits the transformative presidential center opening its doors to the world.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2025

Trump Reportedly Considering Diddy Pardon Despite White House Pushback

Sean "Diddy" Combs could have his conviction overturned as soon as this week if reports of a presidential pardon from Donald Trump are true.

According to a White House insider, President Donald Trump is “vacillating” on whether to pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs, the disgraced hip-hop mogul recently sentenced to four years on prostitution charges, TMZ reports.

While staffers are said to be advising against commuting Combs’ sentence, the source noted that “Trump will do what he wants” and could issue the pardon within a week.

This news comes weeks after Trump confirmed that Combs had reached out to request a presidential pardon. When asked by a CNN reporter if he’d consider pardoning Jeffrey Epstein’s former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, Trump replied that “a lot of people have asked me for pardons,” including Combs.

The president had previously dismissed the idea of pardoning the music mogul but not over his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution.

“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump said at the time.

Trump on pardoning Diddy: "Probably — hmm. You know, I was very friendly with him. I get along with him great. Seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile."

[image or embed]
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) August 1, 2025 at 8:14 PM

When asked if a pardon for Combs was a “no,” Trump said, “I would say so, yeah.”

“We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right?” Trump continued. “But when you knew someone, and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So I don’t know, it’s more difficult. It makes it more—I’m being honest, it makes it more difficult to do.”

Trump recently pardoned former Republican Congressman George Santos, who was serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges, including deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people—including his own family members—to make donations to his campaign.

“You know, he lied like hell…but he was 100% for Trump,” the president said in August.

While presidential pardons are traditionally granted to correct injustices or aid those wrongfully accused, Trump has often used them for individuals he views as allies, which could work in Combs’ favor.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2025

Hometown Hero Pharrell Hails Atlantic Park As Virginia Beach Vision Becomes Reality

'VIRGINIA is a cultural destination — it’s also a lifestyle, a philosophy, a state of mind. I’m proud of what we’re building here at Atlantic Park in my hometown, and how Virginia has shown up for it.'

Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams celebrated his hometown with several celebratory events in the town’s newly developed Atlantic Park during the weekend of Oct. 10-11.

The multitalented producer and fashionista has partnered with VIRGINIA to celebrate the development of Atlantic Park, located in Virginia Beach. Several events took place at the city’s Dome site, where music, food, and other activities brought people from the area together to celebrate Virginia Beach’s first-of-its-kind mixed-use development, backed by Pharrell.

https://twitter.com/Pharrell/status/1977836656054194445

The weekend also acknowledged North America’s first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon. Adidas has partnered with Pharrell to launch a year-long, free surf-and-swim program, NEXT WAVE, for students from Virginia Beach Public Schools, YELLOWHAB, and residents of Atlantis Apartments.

“VIRGINIA is a cultural destination — it’s also a lifestyle, a philosophy, a state of mind. I’m proud of what we’re building here at Atlantic Park in my hometown, and how Virginia has shown up for it,” said Williams in a written statement. “Our surf and swim program will give hundreds of young people the confidence and skills to safely enjoy the ocean — creating a generation that feels connected to Virginia Beach’s coastline and community. This is just the beginning.”

To kick off the program at Atlantic Park Surf, people received lessons from Shaun Anderson (Norfolk State University, USA Swimming), Jason Borte (Atlantic Park Surf), and Brick Howze (Ebony Beach Club). People participating in the program received life jackets, wetsuits, and boards. They learned to build confidence, safety skills, and community in and around the water.

Surf & Swim Program, Pharrell Williams, Virginia — Photo credit: VIRGINIA

“A program like this, at a surf park like Atlantic Park, doesn’t exist anywhere in the world that I am aware of. It is historic, and we are honored to be a part of it,” said Brick Howze, founder of Los Angeles-based Ebony Beach Club.

Adidas also hosted a two-day retail experience with VIRGINIA so attendees could experience the world of VIRGINIA in person. People who visited the pop-up were able to hear the sounds of BLACK YACHT ROCK VOL. 1: CITY OF LIMITLESS ACCESS. Those in attendance also witnessed the debut of the adidas x Pharrell Adistar Jellyfish. There were also limited-edition VIRGINIA tees, branded hoodies, shorts, and branded socks, as well as collectibles, including VIRGINIA fishing lures, custom-branded disposable cameras, beach umbrellas, and a puzzle with artwork by Virginia Beach artist Sam Clayman.

VIRGINIANS, you showed out for the pop-up. Grateful to welcome the new Jellyfish Adistar colorways and the limitless world of VIRGINIA with you all. pic.twitter.com/GFut9vYTU8
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) October 13, 2025

Attendees also heard music from local Virginia Beach DJs. They enjoyed an after-hours karaoke celebration at the Japanese temaki restaurant, which is opening its fifth location in Virginia Beach, with Pharrell as a partner and advisor.

For any information on the program at Atlantic Park Surf, visit this link.

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

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

Arizona Teen Removed From Boys Basketball Tryouts Over Wrong Gender On Birth Certificate

The Arizona school district has remained adamant on not letting the young boy play over the mistaken birth certificate.

An Arizona teen could not partake in his high school’s boys basketball tryouts over a gender issue on his birth certificate.

Laker Jackson had plans to go out for the boys’ basketball team at Eastmark High School in Mesa, Arizona. After turning in his required documents, however, he could not show off his skills on the court, at least amongst the boys.

A clerical error lists Laker as a female at birth. Albeit untrue, the small mistake seemed like an unnecessary headache to fix. His mother told KGNS that it was the hospital’s mistake, but it has not caused an issue until this latest incident.

“I give them the birth certificate, and they’re like, ‘Did you know this says female?’” shared Becky Jackson. “I was like, ‘Oh, man, that’s so funny.’ So, we come home. Everyone’s laughing.”

The concerned mother said the issue left her son embarrassed by the removal. The high school’s athletic director removed him from the tryouts, suggesting that he go out for the girls’ team instead.

“They sent the athletic director of Eastmark High to physically remove Laker from the basketball tryouts in front of all of his friends, in front of the coach,” Jackson said.

The incident speaks to the growing issue with transgender athletes participating in their chosen identity’s sport teams. The school confirmed that the young boy must join the girls’ team, despite a doctor confirming his sex as male.

“Queen Creek Unified School District is committed to ensuring fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity in all athletic programs for both boys and girls. We take great care to follow state and district guidelines that support competitive equity and student well-being,” shared the school district.

The statement continued, “In this particular case, the student has been enrolled in QCUSD since elementary school and has been registered as a biological female throughout their time in our district. The day before basketball tryouts, the parent submitted a new birth certificate and a doctor’s note indicating a gender change. Our schools rely on a student’s original birth certificate at birth to determine athletic eligibility.”

The school has remained adamant in forbidding Laker from trying out for the boys’ team. The school has even suggested chromosomal testing to ensure the young boy is actually a male.

“Now, they may consider changing it if we get chromosomal testing. They didn’t say they would. It says they may,” Jackson added.

However, the expense of the testing, just for the possibility of the ruling reversal, has troubled the family. Meanwhile, Laker still cannot participate on the boys’ team, with his hopes of playing high school basketball this year dwindling.

lawsuit, Major League Soccer, Exec, Racial Retaliation

by Mitti Hicks

October 21, 2025

EEOC Is Dropping Certain Discrimination Claims. Experts Say It’s Time To Lawyer Up

The EEOC reportedly plans to notify claimants who filed complaints on “disparate impact liability" by the end of October that they must file a lawsuit on their own if they want to continue to pursue their claims.

Lawyers with Cohen Milstein are sounding the alarm that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency Congress tasked with enforcing federal employment discrimination laws, has plans to drop specific discrimination claims.

In a memo first obtained by The Associated Press, the EEOC says the agency will discharge any complaints on “disparate impact liability,” a legal concept that argues a policy or hiring practice could still be discriminatory even if it looks fair on the surface, if it creates an unnecessary barrier that makes it harder for certain groups of people to succeed. The EEOC plans to notify claimants by the end of October that they must file a lawsuit on their own if they want to continue to pursue their claims.

According to Joseph M. Sellers and Christine E. Webber, attorneys and partners with Cohen Milstein, the “disparate impact liability” rule has eliminated arbitrary hurdles for job applicants, creating a more level playing field for everyone.

What Claimants Need To Know

The EEOC has forbidden employment practices having a disparate impact since at least 1971. Sellers and Webber said that as the EEOC plans to drop claims under disparate impact liability, it leaves those who filed charges to think “that it [the EEOC] found their claims had no merit.”

According to the two attorneys, this means that workers need to take action, as lawyers in the private sector can still enforce these civil rights laws.

“Workers who receive notices of a right to sue should know that the EEOC’s refusal to investigate their claims does not necessarily mean that their claims lack merit or that there is no way forward,” said Sellers and Webber. “To the contrary: the courts are still enforcing the law, including the disparate impact rule.”

Unfortunately, this means that claimants have only 90 days to file their own lawsuits, or their claims will be barred for good. Both Sellers and Webber encourage people to consult an attorney as soon as possible, especially lawyers with experience in disparate impact claims.

“The EEOC may be abandoning decades of precedent, but the doors to courthouses remain open to workers with disparate impact claims,” the lawyers add.

Pennsylvania African Methodist Episcopal Church , Black History Museum,, Marvin Winans

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2025

Pastor Marvin Winans Faces Backlash For Criticizing Woman’s $1,235 Donation, ‘That Ain’t What I Asked You To Do’

Pastor Marvin Winans is under fire for scolding a woman who donated $1,235 instead of $2,000.

Pastor Marvin Winans is under fire after a video surfaced online showing him reprimanding a woman who fell short of the $2,000 donation he requested from his congregation.

The now-viral clip captures a woman at Perfecting Church in Detroit, Michigan, approaching the pulpit with her son during the church’s “Day of Giving” to offer a $1,235 donation, according to Atlanta Black Star. However, Pastor Winans appeared visibly displeased, as he had specifically asked congregants to contribute “$1,000 plus 1.”

“I’m giving in faith and standing in unity with the vision of Perfecting Church, sowing this seed of $1,000 plus $235 and receiving the blessings to come,” the woman said when she gave her donation.

https://twitter.com/mymixtapez/status/1980307845783617640

Winans, a member of the famed Winans gospel family and star of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, publicly chastised the woman in front of her son and the congregation for falling short of his $2,000 donation request.

“That’s only $1,200,” he said.

Even after the woman admitted she was short of the requested amount, Winans continued to reprimand her publicly before the congregation.

“You’re not listening to what I’m saying. If you have $1,000 plus $1,000…,” he said.

Although the woman promised to bring the remaining $800 later, Winans remained unsatisfied.

“Well, that ain’t what I asked you to do,” he said.

The video has gone viral on social media, with many criticizing Winans for dismissing the woman’s financial circumstances and failing to appreciate the $1,200 donation she was still able to give.

“Pastors like this are the main reason people are turning away from the church,” one X user wrote. “I don’t understand how people are willing giving him this money when he talks like this.”

“I would’ve snatched my money back so fast! These ungrateful, over-begging, false prophets are out of control, nothing but fake religious pimps,” added someone else. “Nowhere in the Bible does it say to demand $2,000 from every member. In this economy, someone giving you $1,200 is already a blessing! 🙏🏾 People need to stop letting these so-called pastors use and disrespect them. This kind of behavior is not godly.”

robot, Black women, Harvard university, braids, braiding,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

Black-Founded Invention Of Hair-Braiding Robot Crowned Winner Of Startup Contest At Harvard

Deemed the "Halo Braid," the braiding tool helps stylists by reducing the time needed to complete the popular style.

The invention of a hair-braiding robot has won a startup competition at Harvard Innovation Labs.

The 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge Winner crowned Halo Braid as its latest winner. The competition, conducted at Harvard, challenges alumni and students from its 13 schools to present innovative ideas that could transform industries. In its Alumni + Affiliates Open Track, the top prize went to the game-changing Halo Braid.

Halo Braid’s inventors, Harvard Business School’s Yinka Ogunbiyi and David Afolabi, hope to cut braiding time by half. With the introduction of the braiding robot, they aim for braiders and their clients to save time and money, boosting efficiency and speeding up the lengthy process.

@harvardinnovationlabs
Meet 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge Winner: Halo Braid. Halo Braid is reducing hair braiding time from six hours to minutes, empowering hair stylists to double their business. Watch to see how innovation is transforming an industry that hasn't changed in thousands of years.
♬ original sound – Harvard Innovation Labs

The pitch immediately garnered attention by mentioning the struggles of traditional hair-braiding today.

“What if every time you got your hair cut, it took six hours, cost $200 to $300, and gave your hair stylist arthritis at age 2? This is what it’s like to get your hair braided. And I know this first hand because I’ve worn braids all my life,” shared Ogunbiyi.

She continued, “Hair braiding is now the most popular hairstyle for 20 million Americans who experience this miserable process every eight weeks. And yet, braiding hasn’t seen innovation since braiding was invented 5000 years ago.”

The patent-pending hair braiding robot assists braiders by finishing the braids they start. This helps not only decrease styling time by hours, but also ensures both parties can reduce time in the salon for the protective style.

“Stylists start the braid. Halo finishes it. We reduce braiding time from hours to minutes, making braiding joyful, not painful, and allowing a stylist to grow their business without destroying our hands,” added Ogunbiyi.

According to Custom Market Insights, the global hair braiding market is expected to reach a market valuation of over $625 million by 2032. Now, Halo Braid hopes to capitalize on this growing trend by helping stylists reduce braiding time while not forsaking quality.

Ogunbiyi explained, “Our devices have done 1000s of braids and braided full hairstyles like mine for the past year, and we use machine learning to match professional quality, but to do it five times faster.”

Currently, Halo Braid has a waitlist for professionals and novice braiders to elevate their services. With this win, Halo Braid can use this funding to bring their idea to fruition, forever changing the diverse hairstyling landscape.

student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans

by Mitti Hicks

October 21, 2025

Trump Administration Says It Will Cancel Certain Student Loan Debt For Millions

The Department of Education will resume loan cancellations for the two Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, grant payment refunds to eligible borrowers, and provide regular status updates to maintain transparency and compliance with federal law.

The Trump administration says it will agree to canceling student loan debt for eligible borrowers under certain plans, following a legal agreement with the Department of Education and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

This marks a significant pivot for the Trump administration, which previously paused or restricted access to student debt relief through federal income-driven repayment programs. An estimated 2 million to 2.5 million student loan borrowers who met the requirements for having their student loans forgiven were caught in the crossfire in the Trump administration’s policy shift.

The agreement between the Education Department and AFT now allows borrowers to resume their plans for student debt forgiveness and also provides legal clarity.

Who Is Eligible For Student Loan Debt Relief?

According to Newsweek, the Department of Education will resume loan cancellations for the two Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, grant payment refunds to eligible borrowers, and provide regular status updates to maintain transparency and compliance with federal law.

Borrowers who have made 20 to 25 years of consecutive qualifying payments, depending on the loan origination date and plan enrollment, qualify for student loan forgiveness. The agreement also acknowledges borrowers who are eligible for student loan forgiveness in 2025.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, a temporary tax rule approved by President Joe Biden will end in December 2025. This means that IDR plans will once again be taxable as the 2021 provision in the American Rescue Plan, which made forgiveness tax-free, is set to expire. For borrowers, this would have resulted in thousands of dollars in tax bills, depending on the amount forgiven.

Eligible student loan borrowers will not be forced to pay the pending tax penalty because of current government processing delays and ongoing litigation under the agreement.

Borrowers who are eligible for relief will begin receiving notifications from the Department of Education in October. The email will outline options for accepting forgiveness or opting out.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

Police Take Down Man At ATL Airport For Threats To ‘Shoot It Up,’ Nixing Potential Mass Shooting

The man reportedly had mental health issues as detailed by Atlanta police.

A Georgia man was arrested at the Atlanta Airport after a family member reported him for threats to shoot up the world’s busiest airport.

On Oct. 20, Atlanta police arrested Billy Cagle at the domestic terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport following a family member’s crucial tip. Upon his arrest, Atlanta police uncovered an AR-15 rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in his pick-up truck, parked right outside the facility. CBS Evening News shared footage of the arrest on TikTok.

@cbseveningnews Police in Atlanta arrested a man on Monday who they say was planning to open fire with an assault rifle at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. After his family alerted authorities, the man was found walking around a domestic terminal and his weapon was found in his vehicle parked outside. #atlanta #airport #police #georgia ♬ original sound – CBSEveningNews

Security footage showed the Cartersville native walking around the domestic terminal with no apparent luggage with him. He looked around the terminal in an apparent move to survey his potential crime scene.

Given the tip from the concerned family member, police approached Cagle to question why he was there. He responded, “Oh, I’m just here, why?”

A family member initially called 911 after seeing Cagle make the threat to “shoot it up” while streaming online. This prompted the Cartersville police department to alert the airport police of the potential danger. Police believe the man had some mental disabilities, following their questioning of him.

Cagle now faces charges of terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assaults, among other counts.

At a press briefing following the arrest, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that the family member’s tip and law enforcement’s swift action led to a crisis being “averted” at the world’s busiest airport.

“Because of the community — in this case, the family — as well as the joint collaboration of law enforcement, a tragedy was indeed averted,” shared Schierbaum, as reported by ABC News.

An investigation into a motive for Cagle remains underway, as his actions could have resulted in a mass shooting. According to the Carterville’s police department, which received the initial tip, Cagle has a criminal history. This included a past arrest for drug possession, but the law enforcement did not go into greater detail. The FBI’s Atlanta chapter has partnered with the city’s police to launch the investigation.