journalists, badges, Pentagon, Trump, reporting rules

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 16, 2025

Journalists Return Badges, Exit Pentagon, In Refusal Of Agreeing To New Reporting Rules

Pentagon reporters exited the building in rejection of new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Dozens of reporters at the Pentagon cleared their desks, returned their badges, and left the building on Oct. 15 in protest of new government rules limiting their reporting.

Journalists covering the U.S. military walked out of their Pentagon posts in protest of new restrictions imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which threatened expulsion for reporting on any information, not just classified, that hadn’t been approved for release, AP News reporteds. Many left together at the Defense Department’s 4 p.m. deadline, refusing to agree to the new rules.

“It’s sad, but I’m also really proud of the press corps that we stuck together,” Nancy Youssef, a reporter for The Atlantic who has worked at the Pentagon since 2007, told the ABQ Journal.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has held just two formal press briefings, restricted reporters’ access to many areas of the Pentagon without an escort, and launched investigations into leaks. He defended the new rules as “common sense,” claiming that having journalists sign a document is only to acknowledge the rules rather than serving as an official agreement. Reporters, however, view that as a distinction without a difference.

“What they’re really doing, they want to spoon-feed information to the journalist, and that would be their story. That’s not journalism,” said Jack Keane, a retired U.S. Army general and Fox News analyst.

Donald Trump supported his defense secretary’s new rules while speaking with reporters at the White House on Oct. 14.

“I think he finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace,” Trump said. “The press is very dishonest.”

News outlets overwhelmingly rejected the new rules, with conservative One America News Network the only outlet to sign on. The Pentagon Press Association, representing 101 journalists from 56 news organizations, condemned the restrictions. Media organizations across the spectrum, from legacy outlets like The Associated Press and The New York Times to Fox and conservative Newsmax, directed their reporters to leave rather than sign on.

“They knew the American public deserved to know what’s going on,” NPR reporter Tom Bowman wrote in an essay. “With no reporters able to ask questions, it seems the Pentagon leadership will continue to rely on slick social media posts, carefully orchestrated short videos and interviews with partisan commentators and podcasters. No one should think that’s good enough.”

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 16, 2025

9- And 10-Year-Old Charged In Brutal Attack Of 5-Year-Old Girl, ‘Her Hair Was Scalped From Her Head’

Two juveniles, ages 9 and 10, face serious charges of attempted murder and assault of a 5-year-old girl in Cleveland.

Two children, ages 9 and 10, in Cleveland, Ohio, are facing serious charges of attempted murder and rape in connection with the violent attack of a 5-year-old girl.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors are withholding many details due to the case’s sensitivity, but confirmed that a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl face initial charges of attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation, Cleveland 19 reported. The alleged attack occurred on Sept. 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland.

Antavia Kennibrew, the victim’s mother, said her 5-year-old daughter was beaten, assaulted, and scalped after being dropped off at a family member’s home in Cleveland. The child reportedly walked out the front door and was attacked by a group of children in a field nearby. When Kennibrew learned what happened to her child, she rushed to the scene and saw EMS treating her daughter several blocks away.

“I literally saw the worst thing ever,” she said.

Kennibrew reported that her daughter was “unrecognizable” following the attack.

“What I saw was unbelievable,” she said. “My daughter was not my daughter. Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood. Her lips and mouth were filled with blood. Her nails had debris and dirt stuck in them.”

Kennibrew said the assault left her daughter physically, emotionally, and mentally traumatized, and the 5-year-old is now undergoing therapy.

“I want her to just be somewhat of a normal 5-year-old again,” Kennibrew said.

Each child faces charges including one count of attempted murder, four counts of rape, two counts of felonious assault, one count of kidnapping, and one count of strangulation. Prosecutors are continuing to review evidence and gather new information, and the office is withholding further details due to the case’s sensitivity.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 16, 2025

Kim Kardashian’s Fake Pubic Hair Thongs Sell Out Online

Yes, really.

Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIMS drop has the streets talking about the faux pubic hair thongs that are already sold out online.

On Oct. 14, SKIMS dropped a 70s-inspired campaign to debut its new Faux Hair Micro String Thong, a bold panty designed with a pubic hair–like appearance. In a retro mock dating show titled “Does the Carpet Match the Drapes?” models flaunt their styles of the cheeky new design.

“Just dropped. The Ultimate Bush,” the company tweeted.

Just Dropped: The Ultimate Bush. pic.twitter.com/KCElt4DB4m
— SKIMS (@skims) October 14, 2025

Offered in 12 color and texture combinations, including straight and curly faux hair, the $32 thongs have already sold out on the SKIMS website.

“With this iconic new panty, your carpet can be whatever color you want it to be!” Skims wrote in a press release.

While it’s unclear how many were stocked, the concept and its rapid sellout have sparked plenty of conversation online.

“Ain’t no way… Skims made a bush thong & it’s already sold out,” one X user wrote.

https://twitter.com/skynewsuganda/status/1978697348172697733

“Kim Kardashian’s Skims just dropped thongs with fake pubic hair—yes, you read that right! 😳 And the wildest part? People are actually buying them! 👀,” added someone else.

“Who is out here spending $32 on fake pubic hair thongs ?!!!” asked one user, before suggesting to “Just grow your hair out. The people down at Skims must be running out of ideas. Cause this is a no ma’am 😩🥴😂”

SKIMS’ latest launch follows its controversial July 2025 release of the Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap, a compression garment promising a “snatched” jawline.

Though marketed as containing “collagen yarns,” dermatologists and medical experts largely dismissed its effectiveness and raised concerns about its safety and overall messaging. In September, Kardashian followed up with the NikeSkims collab featuring the reality star modeling the core activewear pieces alongside Serena Williams, Sha’Carri Richardson, Jordan Chiles, and Chloe Kim.

Georgia GOP, Chris Carr, Black Voters, Social Issues

by Mitti Hicks

October 16, 2025

Voting Rights Act: Supreme Court To Rule On Landmark Case That Prohibits Discrimination In Voting

The future of Black political representation is now at the mercy of the high court.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most important laws of our lifetime. The landmark civil rights law prohibits racial discrimination in voting. It also ensures that all eligible Americans have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

But the Supreme Court could roll back a key provision enacted 60 years ago to ensure that Black people have equal access to voting.

In one of the most significant cases of the year, the high court will rule on a case out of Louisiana. White voters in Louisiana v. Callais are challenging the state’s new congressional map following the population shift from the 2020 Census. At first, the state legislature drew a new congressional map that had only one majority-Black district of six total, even though Black people made up nearly a third of the population.

Black voters sued, and a judge agreed that the map violated parts of the Voting Rights Act. State legislatures went back to the drawing board and created a second majority-Black district to reflect the Census data. That angered non-Black voters, who argued in a separate lawsuit that the state created a “racial quota” that cost the state a Republican House seat in a narrowly divided Congress. The lawsuit, led by Phillip Callais, claims that the state’s use of race to comply with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) violates the 14th and 15th Amendments.

A Bleak Future For The Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court currently has a 6-3 conservative majority. The future of Black political representation in the state is at the mercy of the high court. Justices took a rare step during their last term. Instead of issuing a decision, they called for a second round of oral arguments. According to USA Today, justices are asking whether states can create legislative districts that comply with the Voting Rights Act without violating bans on racial discrimination in the 14th and 15th Amendments.

While Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal justices in backing the provision of the Voting Rights Act that’s currently in question, he is now asking whether that part of the law is still needed, signaling what could become a significant blow to Black voters in Louisiana.

Democratic voting rights groups say gutting the Voting Rights Act’s protections could help Republicans win an additional 27 House seats, including 19 that would directly result from invalidating the law’s protections.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 16, 2025

BLACKWEEK Makes Triumphant Return To New York City

Black people gathered to gain knowledge, network, and build community.

BLACKWEEK returned to the Tribeca section of Manhattan with the theme of “Welcome to the Culture Economy.” Thousands gathered to gain knowledge, community, and to network with like-minded individuals.

As the second BLACKWEEK took over Spring Studios from Oct. 6 to 9, people lined up for knowledge and advice. Speakers included Don Lemon, Charlamagne the God, Will Lucas, Lena Waithe, and a trove of others offered the game to those interested in getting it.

“One of the biggest goals for BLACKWEEK was to stay authentic, to being a true conference to bring people together,” said Megan Segarra, one of BLACKWEEK’s organizers. “And I think a lot of conferences pretend, like, they’re actually doing that, but what they’re really trying to do is amplify themselves, make money, do whatever.”

Segarra was confident that the goal of this year’s BLACKWEEK was met, as evidenced by the smiling faces seen throughout the event.

“This year’s theme was ‘Welcome to the Culture Economy’ ’cause there is no economy without culture,” she said. “It is truly an intersection. And so, to ensure that our talks amplified it as a true mission was our goal.  And I think we delivered on that with our programming.”

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A post shared by megansegarra (@megansegarra)

JoJo Simmons, chief brand officer of 3isFor, reality TV personality and podcast host (For Good Podcast), moderated a panel.

“I’m taking away everything from it,” Simmons said of BLACKWEEK. “I’m listening to everybody. I’m seeing what everybody’s got going on. Obviously, super-excited to be here to do my podcast live, but just hearing everybody else and what they have going on and other things that the Black people are doing, it’s an amazing feeling, man. Especially me being Black myself, obviously, and being amongst people that just appreciate what I bring to the space is me appreciating what they bring to the space as well.”

The importance of Black people and their inventions was on the mind of comedian Godfrey, who hosted a show for up-and-coming comics. But he was also ecstatic about the purpose of BLACKWEEK.

“Well, anything Black is important, especially with business and tech,” he explained. “That’s important for us, ’cause we’re always left out of a lot of these things. And which is still sad till this day.”

After naming several inventors and their creations, Godfrey took issue with the mindset of racists who still hold a grudge and still consider us less than them.

“What are you talking about? Why are we getting left out of technology? We are a technology. Built the pyramids. What are we talking about here?  Mathematics and all that sh** is what we created. So these things are important, that we need it for people to have opportunity, that don’t get opportunities.

“It’s just tired.  Enough of that. Enough of you not liking us ’cause of what we look like. You know what I’m saying?  So these types of events are very important. I’m glad to be part of it, and I hope it continues to expand.”

BLACKWEEK did more than bring together business leaders, creators, and innovators. It may have advanced the careers of several people who came looking for knowledge while also speaking to others who need an assist in reaching their goals.

Lawsuit, Miami hotel records, Sean Diddy Combs, Subpoena

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 16, 2025

Conditions Revealed Regarding Diddy’s Supervised Release After Prison

After his 50-month prison term, he will have to complete five years of supervised release.

Details have been revealed regarding the terms and conditions of Sean “Diddy” Combs will face after he is released from prison.

According to TMZ, the controversial entertainment mogul will not have the freedom afforded to others after he completes his 50-month prison sentence. Based on a recent court filing, the “No Way Out” producer will have five years of supervised probation. He will also be subjected to searches and cannot contact any of the victims who testified against him in his trial.

He will have to be involved in outpatient treatment programs for drug abuse and mental health issues, which would include being required to take medicine prescribed to him, unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider. He must also be enrolled and participate in an approved program for domestic violence.

The convicted felon will not be able to own, possess, or have any access to firearms or other destructive devices.

Forbes reported that Diddy will also be barred from “encouraging” anyone else to contact his victims and that he will have to submit to searches of his person, property, and electronic devices if probation officers have “reasonable suspicion” he may have violated the terms of his release or has committed a crime. Financial records must be provided to his probation officer if requested. He also cannot engage with anyone involved in criminal activity.

Diddy has still not been assigned to his next home for the next several years. Judge Arun Subramanian said he should be imprisoned as close as possible to the New York City Metropolitan area. Diddy’s attorneys requested that he serve his sentence in New Jersey at FCI Fort Dix, which has an acclaimed drug treatment program.

Subramanian said that the decision on where Diddy will be placed is up to the Bureau of Prisons.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Forks Over ‘Freak-Off’ Tapes To FBI

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

MacKenzie Scott Gifts Another $63 Million to Morgan State

The philanthropist has given the Maryland HBCU $103 million since 2020.

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given another “transformative” gift to Morgan State University: a record-breaking $63 million.

Her donations to the Maryland HBCU over the past five years have totaled $103 million. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave a then-record $40 million to the school in 2020.

This new wave of financial support will help Morgan State thrive as the third-largest HBCU in the nation.

Scott’s latest donation is unrestricted, granting Morgan State officials the full authority to use it for strategic investments. The latest gift will deepen the school’s endowment and increase support for student success and its endeavors as a research institution.

The school is already on track to become the second HBCU with Carnegie 1 Research status, a mission further supported by this new gift.

“MacKenzie Scott’s renewed investment in Morgan is a resounding testament to the work we’ve done to drive transformation, not only within our campus but throughout the communities we serve,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, in an Oct. 15 press release. “To receive one historic gift from Ms. Scott was an incredible honor; to receive two speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution’s stewardship, leadership, and trajectory. This is more than philanthropy—it’s a partnership in progress.”

This support has also pushed more philanthropic interest into Morgan State and other HBCUs, as Scott’s gifts have sparked a wave of donations toward institutions at the Atlanta University Center. Scott’s money has helped Morgan State build its Center for Urban Health Equity and National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities.

The latest funding will also help cushion the school’s latest venture, the first public, nonprofit medical school at an HBCU. With this critical financial support, the university remains on track to break boundaries in healthcare provider equity and research opportunities for its diverse scholars.

Furthermore, trusting Morgan State to allocate and manage this funding further supports its abilities to grow and thrive on its own terms.

“Morgan is on an extraordinary journey,” added Wilson. “This investment will allow us to accelerate that momentum, breaking barriers, advancing equity, and fulfilling our vision to become one of the top public research universities in the country—without losing our soul.”

7 Mobile Apps That Offer Domestic Violence Assistance

Domestic violence continues to loom as a shadow epidemic

Domestic violence continues to loom as a shadow epidemic, particularly in Black communities where the domestic violence rate is telling. Roughly 40% of Black women are plagued by intimate partner violence, including stalking, physical, sexual, and verbal violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

As tangible resources and helplines buckle under swelling demand, a fresh front line has emerged in the pursuit of safety: digital apps. From journaling utilities to SOS alerts and customized escape itineraries, technology is evolving into a lifeline for victims of intimate‑partner violence. Here are seven apps that offer assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Bright Sky

Bright Sky, available as both an app and a website, delivers a mix of content, risk‑assessment tools, and a searchable directory of local support services for survivors of intimate‑partner abuse. After its 2023 debut in the United States, the platform has expanded internationally, reaching users in multiple countries.

myPlan

MyPlan is a managed, research‑backed application that equips survivors, potential victims, and their concerned loved ones with the means to gauge risk and map out safer next steps. By posing a series of targeted questions, it spins out safety plans and decision‑support tools. The platform is currently live, receiving updates in both English and Spanish, and can be accessed widely through an app download or via a web portal in the United States and beyond.

VictimsVoice

VictimsVoice, a password‑protected web app that gives survivors a way to capture and organize evidence chronologically for court. It’s currently available to paying users, runs in any browser, and is designed to look like a basic app so it can stay under the radar.

Aspire News App

Aspire News App: A hidden Help section offers resources and a one-touch call for help to survivors of domestic abuse seeking escape routes and support. Currently available on iPhone and Android, it’s ranked among the top domestic violence apps.

iHEAL

iHEAL, a mobile and web app that offers tools for risk assessment, health and safety planning, grounding exercises, and also links users to about 400 personalized resources. Since its 2023 debut, iHEAL has striven to bridge gaps in access, confidentiality, and tailored support for remote regions across Canada.

Hollie Guard

Hollie Guard is a personal‑safety app that lets users record evidence and instantly ping trusted contacts or services. It’s currently available in the U.K. with the possibility of expansion, and its premium features are offered for a fee.

JDoe

JDoe, an anonymous reporting app, connects survivors and witnesses of sexual misconduct and abuse through encryption. It matches multiple reports against the same offender and provides legal resources. Established recently, the app is actively used in the U.S. (with potential expansion). Its purpose is to foster strength in shared reporting and collective legal action while preserving anonymity.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

More Millennials Using PTO for Zzzs

Millennials are leading the trend of employees who use their PTO to knock out.

More millennials are using paid time off (PTO) not to take a trip, but to catch up on sleep.

Amerisleep surveyed 1,200 Americans and found that they use their paid time off to recharge. For almost half, they revealed they have called out of work just for some extra hours of beauty rest.

According to the mattress retailer’s survey results obtained by Athletech News, 43% of millennials use up that precious PTO time for some days of rest. Over a third also shared that they prioritize vacations where they can primarily sleep the corporate burnout away.

However, the trend may lean more toward those with higher incomes. Those earning six-figure salaries were 26% more likely to use PTO to snooze than those earning below that level. This finding suggests that these more consuming roles lead to actual exhaustion in these employees. On average, they use up about two to three vacation days strictly to recharge from their work responsibilities.

This phenomenon mainly affects the millennial generation, particularly those in mid-career who may take on more managerial positions. As for those in their early careers, like Gen-Z, or the C-suite, such as Gen-X and baby boomers, they have much lower rates of using PTO for sleep purposes. The report reveals that only 20% of baby boomers actually take time off to lounge around, with Gen-Z and Gen-X accounting for 33% and 34%, respectively.

Millennials are also stuck in a difficult place, as their home responsibilities pile up alongside their professional ones. Many in this age group are also reckoning with caring for their kids and the elderly adults in their lives, adding unique stressors to their everyday lives.

In light of this, millennials are also more inclined to take a vacation primarily to rest. In the age of wellness, more businesses are catering to the work burnout crowd. Sleep-focused hotels are soothing guests’ exhaustion by prioritizing the “rest” part of relaxation.

Amerisleep also reported a 95% increase in Google searches for “wellness travel.” This also extended to searches for “sleep resort” and “sleep vacation.” Those relatively new terms have seen a 30% increase in the past two years.

While millennials have a desire to beat burnout by taking much-needed days off for rest, they are driving a new trend of leisure that prioritizes sleep above all else.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 16, 2025

Laila Ali Enters The ‘Chatter’ On Claressa Shields’ $15M Boxing Match Offer

Ali remained coy on if she will step back into the ring to fight Shields.

Laila Ali has spoken, and it’s clear the ongoing feud between her and Claressa Shields stands.

Ali shared her thoughts on the proposed boxing match against Shields, who recently told tabloids that the former had declined her $15 million offer to enter the ring. Ali talked about the “chatter” surrounding the lofty offer, but wanted to keep her opponent’s image off her page. The Neighborhood Talk shared clips of all the back-and-forth conversations surrounding this suggested fight.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“Now, there was recently a lot of talk about me possibly making a comeback to boxing. There was even a $15 million challenge, and a whole lot of chatter,” explained Ali, seemingly referencing Shields’ public proposition.

“A whole lot has been said, except I didn’t get in the conversation until now.”

The daughter of Muhammad Ali continued, “Well, I have made time in my schedule, just like I said I would, to address this. And you know what, I don’t even want this person’s image on my page. So I want you to go to this page, because I’m going to be dropping my response very, very soon.”

However, instead of giving fans a straight answer, Ali kept poking fun at the situation. She told her followers that she runs her show, and she will let them know about her comeback on her time.

“Now to answer the question that I know many of you who are poking around waiting for me to give you an answer, the answer is yes… I am going to answer your question when I’m good and ready to do it. Because you know what, nobody calls shots on me. I do things when and how and where I like to do them.”

Ali also re-posted a new diss track that has fans in an uproar for its attacks on the fellow female boxing champion. The song, rapped by another woman named Geisha305, directly shaded Shield’s controversial relationship with rapper Papoose. Her personal life even prompted another beef with Papoose’s ex and fellow rapper, Remy Ma.

As tensions rise between the two female boxing champions, Shields spoke on Ali’s latest response to the proposal. The Flint native asserted that Ali seemed scared to face her, especially as she secured the number Ali suggested to step into the ring.

“Laila [Ali] and her representative told us ‘No,'” expressed Shields. And that’s fine. I have no problem with that, I’m not upset. I wouldn’t fight me either…I understand that she’s scared. I’m moving on.”

She continued, “I got plenty of girls who I can fight. I can make plenty of championships…I can go up, I can go down. I mean, it’s not a big deal, you know.”

Both women reign as two of the greatest boxing champions of all time. Currently, they hold undefeated records and multiple titles, making their match-up a highly anticipated fight, if it ever comes into fruition. In Shields’s eyes, if the $15 million check did not make Ali lace up her gloves, then she’s moving on.

She further stated, “I thought that she was about all that talk. She wanted 15 million. I went and got to 15 million, and now it’s all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her and whatever she’s doing, but I’m moving on with my career, and I’m happy that she said no, I really didn’t want to put the paws on her anyway.”