MONKEY, MOTHER,Mississippi,Jessica Bond Ferguson — Photo by Atlantic Ambience: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-monkey-321552/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 3, 2025

No More Monkey Business: Mississippi Mom Neutralizes ‘Aggressive’ Escaped Primate For Kids’ Safety

Jessica Bond Ferguson feared for the safety of her children and neighbors when the monkey was spotted in her yard

An escaped monkey was killed by a Mississippi woman, Jessica Bond Ferguson, after one of her children informed her that it was running in the yard outside of their home.

According to The Associated Press, Bond Ferguson went inside her home to grab a firearm out of fear that the animal might attack one of her children. Once she went outside the house, after grabbing a gun and a mobile phone, she noticed the monkey running about 60 feet away. Thinking of the safety of her children and neighbors, she shot at the monkey, and she said it just stood there, so she fired again. This time, the monkey was hit and he fell to the ground.

“I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” Bond Ferguson told the media outlet. “I shot at it and it just stood there, and I shot again, and he backed up and that’s when he fell.”

The incident took place near Heidelberg, Mississippi.

Bond Ferguson stated that before the shooting, she and other people in the area were warned about monkeys that escaped from a truck that had crashed. They were told that the animals carried diseases. Reflecting on the warning prompted her to protect her children.

“If it attacked somebody’s kid, and I could have stopped it, that would be a lot on me,” said Bond Ferguson. “It’s kind of scary and dangerous that they are running around, and people have kids playing in their yards.”

The Facebook page of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department alerted residents about the accident involving the transport of Rehsus monkeys from Tulane University.

“On 10/28/25, a wreck occurred on I-59 near mile marker 117. This was a truck carrying Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University. The monkeys are approximately 40lbs, they are aggressive to humans, and they require PPE to handle. The monkeys carry hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Tulane University has been notified and will send a team to pick up the monkeys tomorrow (the ones that are still caged).”

A truck carrying the monkeys overturned on Oct. 28 on a highway. There were reportedly 21 monkeys in the truck. Thirteen of them were discovered at the accident scene and taken to their destination, according to Tulane University. Five of the monkeys were killed in the hunt for them, and three were still unaccounted for. Before transport, the monkeys were housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans.

Drake,, CHEATING,, STREAMS,, SPOTIFY, RBX, DEATH ROW RECORDS, — (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 3, 2025

Death Row Legacy Vs. Streaming Scam: Spotify Lawsuit Exposes Drake’s Alleged ‘Padded’ Path To The Top

RBX claims the company is benefitting from “billions of fraudulent streams” attributed to the Canadian rapper

Recording artist RBX, who was once in Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Death Row Records camp, has sued streaming platform Spotify, accusing the company of benefitting from “billions of fraudulent streams” attributed to Canadian rapper Drake.

According to Pitchfork, the paperwork was filed as a class-action lawsuit (RBX is listed as the lead plaintiff) claiming that the company turned a blind eye to the manipulation of bots that artificially drive streams, thereby depriving other artists of revenue under the current business model. Due to artificially inflated numbers, those other artists do not receive their proportional share of Spotify’s royalty pool, as their share is reduced.

Attorney Mark Pifko, who is representing RBX, said in a written statement, “Not everyone who makes a living in the music business is a household name like Taylor Swift—there are thousands of songwriters, performers, and producers who earn revenue from music streaming who you’ve never heard of. These people are the backbone of the music business, and this case is about them.”

The lawsuit does not target Drake; Spotify is the only defendant named.

Filed Nov. 2 in a California federal court, the alleged bot-driven streaming fraud “causes massive financial harm to legitimate artists” and other rights-holders, as Drake’s streaming numbers were used as an example of widespread streaming fraud.

In the lawsuit, it alleges that a “non-trivial percentage” of Drake’s 37 billion streams appeared to be the work of a sprawling network of “Bot Accounts.” They state that the evidence shows “abnormal VPN usage” in short time spans with high streaming volume. An example given stated that during a period in 2024, 250,000 streams of Drake’s “No Face” registered in the United Kingdom were geo-mapped back to Turkey.

“If these streams are not legitimate, then Drake received royalties that Spotify should have paid out to other artists. They estimate that the cost of “the fraudulent boosting of Drake’s music is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.” Spotify has little incentive to crack down on fake streams because bot accounts boost user figures and help them sell ads.

Spotify responded by saying that the streaming service “in no way benefits from the industry-wide challenge of artificial streaming.”

bulldog, Los Angeles, LA — (Photo: Alexia Bianchini/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2025

RetrievAir Airlines Allows Your Pup To Be Your Plus One

RetrievAir wants your beloved pet to ride in comfort on this accessible luxury airline.

For those wanting a better in-flight experience for themselves and their furry best friend, RetrievAir has landed at this Atlanta airport.

The Texas-based startup allows dog-owners the opportunity to have their pets by their side when traveling long distances by plane. Travelers on RetrievAir can have their dogs sit with them in the main cabin, as opposed to the less friendly options of cargo or pet carrier bags.

A father-and-son duo from Texas conceived the idea after not wanting to transport their 100-pound dogs in the cargo space of aircrafts. Now, RetrievAir has finally made its way to Fulton County airport in Atlanta, allowing thousands of passengers to take flight with the airliner, WSB-TV reported.

Starting February 2026, travelers from Atlanta can now get on-board with their pets to destinations, with other stops expanding to Manassass, Virginia; Oakland, California; and Scottsdale, Arizona. Currently, RetrievAir has stops to and from Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York. The flights are also operated by RVR Aviation, a licensed U.S. air carrier, with RetrievAir chartering the aircrafts.

Typically, major passenger airlines come with additional cost ranging from $90 to $150 each way to bring along a pet. While RetrievAir flights’ prices may feel similar to a first-class domestic ticket, there are no additional fees for dogs under 40 pounds.

For those with bigger furry friends, they can sit right with their owners for an additional paid seat. While the price may feel steep, providing comfort for dogs for long-haul flights is RetrievAir’s speciality.

RetrievAir gained notability during an Oct. 22 appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, as its CEO Benton Miller and co-founder Mark Williams made their pitch on the primetime pitch contest. After impressing guest shark Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, RetrievAir took off to new heights and areas as they make dog-friendly air travel the new accessible luxury.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RetrievAir (@flyretrievair)

Those heading or coming down south can start purchasing their flights for next year.

National Cancer Survivors Day, June 2, cancer — Photo by Vasyl Dolmatov/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2025

How The Americans With Disabilities Act Helps Employees With Breast Cancer

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with disabilities, including employees undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Many employees fighting breast cancer struggle to balance their health and careers, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to protect them from workplace discrimination in these situations.

Under federal law, the ADA protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in the U.S., including those affected by breast cancer, BreastCancer.org reports. Because the ADA defines a disability as a mental or physical condition that substantially limits a significant life activity, breast cancer often qualifies as a protected disability, explains Monica Bryant, a cancer rights attorney and chief mission officer at Triage Cancer.

Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified employees with disabilities. It also mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to enable these individuals to perform their job duties effectively. Because Black women are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women—despite being diagnosed at slightly lower rates—understanding their rights under the ADA is especially critical.

The ADA protects qualified employees with breast cancer from workplace discrimination at every stage of employment, including:

hiring and training
job assignments
pay and raises
benefits and promotions
tenure
firing and layoffs

To be covered under the ADA, an employee must be able to perform the essential functions of their job, typically the duties outlined in the original job description, with or without reasonable accommodations. If an employee cannot meet these essential functions even with accommodations, an employer may lawfully terminate their employment or decline to hire them. However, it is illegal for an employer to fire, lay off, or otherwise discriminate against someone simply because they have breast cancer or require accommodations, even though such cases do still occur.

For employees diagnosed with breast cancer, the ADA requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations that support them in performing their work. These accommodations may include providing adaptive tools or equipment. For example, if treatment-related neuropathy makes writing or typing difficult, a voice-to-text program could be a helpful solution.

Additional accommodations might involve adjusting how, where, or when an employee with breast cancer works. For example, an employer may permit remote work to help the employee better manage symptoms during treatment. Other possible accommodations, whether on-site or while teleworking, can include a flexible schedule, extra rest breaks, or reorganizing job duties so that more demanding tasks are completed during times of higher energy.

To receive accommodations, employees must provide their employer with enough information about their medical condition to demonstrate eligibility—but they are not required to disclose their specific cancer diagnosis. An employer may request documentation from a healthcare provider confirming that the employee has a disability and outlining the need for accommodations, but the note doesn’t need to include detailed medical history.

If an employee prefers not to share their diagnosis, they can ask a non-oncologist medical provider to write the note, describing the symptoms or treatment side effects rather than identifying breast cancer as the condition. If an employee believes their employer is discriminating against them for having breast cancer or denying reasonable accommodations, their first step is to decide whether they want to keep their job or pursue legal action. They can start by discussing the issue with their supervisor or HR to see if it can be resolved internally.

If not, they may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the incident, though deadlines can vary by state. Proving discrimination can be challenging, Bryant notes, so it’s important to document all instances of unfair treatment. For legal help, employees can contact the nonprofit A Better Balance through its free legal helpline or visit LawHelp.org to find local employment law resources.

Kevin Hart, son, tennessee, track, hendrix — (Photo: Robin L Marshall/WireImage)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2025

Kevin Hart Says Backing Friends’ Business Ideas Was An ‘Endless Pit Of Bankruptcy’

Hart regretted investing into some of his friends' ventures as they failed to take off.

Kevin Hart apparently regrets giving money to some of his friends’ business ventures.

While on James Corden’s The Late Late Show in 2022, he reflected on his financial support of his friends’ business ideas. He called the decision to help his friends’ ambitions one of his worst investments.

“The worst business investment that I’m currently involved in is the business of investing in your friends,” he said to Corden at the time.

While wanting to champion his friends and have them “come up” like he did in his entertainment career, some of these ideas fell flat.

The actor and comedian added, “You never want your friends to feel like their ideas are not good ideas, but thus far, these ideas have been an endless pit of bankruptcy.”

According to AfroTech, one of the inventions in particular was a pair of headphones that could transform into speakers. While Hart initially thought the idea was innovative, it never took off as he and his friend had hoped. The failed venture resulted in a loss for both parties.

“In the beginning, they were just headphones, and people could enjoy them normally,” Hart explained on the show.

He continued, “But then if you wanted to make everybody else listen, they opened up … That’s the worst invention I’ve ever put money into.”

Now, Hart is a bit more careful with how he gives out money. Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, Hart’s own Gran Coramino Tequila launched a program to support Black and Latinx business owners. In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Coramino Fund offered over $1 million in grants to 100 small business owners from 2022 to 2024.

Earlier this year, his Hartbeat Ventures also co-launched an AI Illumination Grant, partnering with the Fifteen Percent Pledge and A16z’s Cultural Leadership Fund. The initiative specifically helps Black founders in emerging technologies, also supported through The Coramino Fund.

While adding more discernment about supporting his friend’s businesses, Hart still uses his influence and wallet to support other entrepreneurs. With an estimated net worth of $400 million and his own production grant called HartBeat Productions, Hart has all the means to make change and diversify multiple industries as a media mogul.

RELATED CONTENT: Kevin Hart Becomes CEO At Hartbeat

pancreatic cancer,, D'Angelo, Archer, dead, singer — Roquai, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2025

‘A Temple For The Neo-Soul King’: D’Angelo Tribute Unveiled At National Museum Of African American Music

The tribute was unveiled the same day D’Angelo was laid to rest at a private funeral held at St. Paul's Baptist Church in Henrico, Virginia.

D’Angelo’s imprint on music will be acknowledged and celebrated through a new tribute at the National Museum of African American Music. On Nov. 1, the museum unveiled a new display honoring the life and musical legacy of D’Angelo, who died Oct. 14 at age 51 from pancreatic cancer.

The exhibit features personal photos and a plaque from the singer’s debut album.

“A Temple for the Neo-Soul King 🕊️Today, with profound honor and reverence, we unveil our exclusive Donor Display celebrating a Neo-Soul legend whose imprint on our hearts and culture will live forever,” the museum wrote in a Facebook announcement.

“A heartfelt thank you to our board member and dear friend to D’Angelo, Dyana Williams, for gifting us with these beautiful pieces from her personal collection. This is love made visible.”

The tribute was unveiled the same day D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, was laid to rest at a private funeral held at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico, Virginia.

A program shared online showed that Bishop Ralland V. Robinson led the service and delivered the eulogy for the Grammy-winning singer of “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” while Pastor Jamal Bryant offered a special video message. Musical performances included Stevie Wonder, harpist Brandee Younger, and D’Angelo’s former bands The Soultronics and The Vanguard.

Bill McGee shared the program from D’Angelo’s funeral that took place earlier today in Henrico, VA

The veteran jazz musician and educator was a mentor of the late singer when he was young pic.twitter.com/lrRocrbJYp
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 2, 2025

The program included a message from the late singer’s family.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support…Through music, love, and light, Michael D’Angelo’s spirit will shine forever,” the statement read.

Family, friends, and community members gathered for the service, joined by several musicians, including D’Angelo’s longtime bodyguard Scott Parker, Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste, and Questlove and John Mayer, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Community member Latisha Dodson and friend Nikiya Ellis-Chavis said attending felt like supporting family at a service for a fellow Richmonder.

“I look at it differently. He’s free from whatever affliction that was causing him pain, and so this is a celebration,” Dodson said. “He’s an ancestor now, so we’re just going to celebrate him.”

Photo by RF._.studio _: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-woman-buying-groceries-in-a-convenience-store-4177708/

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2025

Instacart And DoorDash Offer Discounts To SNAP Recipients

Instacart and DoorDash are stepping in to support the 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families.

Instacart and DoorDash are doing their part to help millions of Americans facing the potential loss of SNAP benefits during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

After DoorDash launched its Emergency Food Response program, waiving fees for SNAP recipients and donating heavily to food banks, Instacart announced on Oct. 31 that it will offer SNAP beneficiaries 50% off their next grocery order as government food aid payments face potential cuts, The Independent reported. As part of the initiative, any customer who used a SNAP/EBT card to place an Instacart order in October will be eligible for the discount, even if government payments proceed as scheduled on Nov. 1.

Instacart is also tripling its typical donations to over 300 food banks; combined with the discounts, this provides $5 million in direct relief to SNAP beneficiaries.

“As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on practical, immediate solutions: helping families who use SNAP stretch their grocery dollars and helping food banks stock up to support their communities,” said Dani Dudeck, Instacart’s chief corporate affairs officer.

Instacart’s announcement of its relief efforts followed DoorDash’s recent plan to support over 2.4 million customers with SNAP/EBT cards linked to their accounts. As part of its aid, DoorDash will waive service and delivery fees for roughly 300,000 SNAP orders in November and provide 1 million meals from food banks at no cost.

The relief efforts from the two San Francisco–based food delivery companies were announced shortly before two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration cannot suspend food aid for roughly 42 million low-income Americans during the U.S. government shutdown. The rulings require the government to fund SNAP benefits using emergency funds.

Nike, Jordans, Air Jordan 4 Retro — Photo by Ficky: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-sitting-on-ground-2364580/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 3, 2025

Jordan Brand Prepares Air Jordan 4 Retro Comic-Inspired Shoe For Fall 2026

The expected retail price will be $220

In 2026, Jordan Brand is planning to release the latest Air Jordan 4, which is expected to feature a comic-style design.

According to Footwear News, one of Nike’s most popular Air Jordans is scheduled for release next fall. The Air Jordan 4 Retro Comic is themed after collectible art books, featuring a colorway of Off-White/Anthracite/Neutral Grey/Fire Pink/Light Arctic Pink/Muslin.

BREAKING: “Comic” Air Jordan 4 expected to release Fall 2026! 💥⛹🏿‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/6aQhPFEoFG

— zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) October 30, 2025

The Nike logo reminds people of the “POW” style that appeared in the late 1960s “Batman” TV series.

The expected manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $220 and will be available for purchase online at nike.com and in select Nike and Jordan Brand stores.

The Air Jordan 4 is among the most popular among the brand’s offerings. According to Women’s Wear Daily, other upcoming releases include a reissue of the Air Jordan 4 in an inaugural Tour Yellow style, as well as a Los Angeles Lakers-inspired Imperial Purple colorway.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers winning their second straight World Series after beating the Toronto Blue Jays four games to three, Sole Retriever reported that Jordan Brand is releasing a black T-shirt with “Good Googly Mookie” on the front with the brand’s logo on top of the wording, in celebration of Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, who is a Jordan Brand athlete.

The tee is expected to sell for $35 and does not yet have a release date.

Jordan Brand has released several signature cleats since Betts joined the brand’s roster. There were a snakeskin blue Jordan 11 cleats, the True Blue three cleats, and a pair of Nigel Slyvester Brick by Brick Jordan 4 cleats that were gifted to the shortstop by Sylvester.

According to House of Heat, Jordan Brand offered congratulations to Betts via social media, saying, “Back to Back. Three in six. Four and counting.” The sentence references Betts’ World Series titles, as this was the fourth one has has taken home.

One, with the first Major League Baseball team he played for, the Boston Red Sox, and the other three he has gained since he joined the Dodgers in 2020.

Makeup, black beauty brands — (Photo: Westend61/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2025

Skims Taps Ami Colé Founder Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye To Lead Beauty Division

The Kim Kardashian-founded shapewear company intends to relaunch Kardashian's beauty brand under the Skims name.

Skims, the Kim Kardashian-founded shapewear company, has hired Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, the owner of the now-defunct makeup line Ami Colé, to help relaunch Kardashian’s beauty brand under the Skims name.

The shocking shutdown of Ami Colé, which launched in 2021, in September hurt melanated makeup lovers as the brand prioritized inclusivity in its shade ranges. The products stood out on Sephora shelves thanks to its deep pigments in the line’s products, from blushes to foundations and signature lip oils.

Ami Colé said goodbye due to unsustainable operating costs, leaving fans of N’Diaye-Mbaye’s purpose and talent wondering what she would do next. As the executive vice president of beauty & fragrance, she will lead product development and brand strategy as it launches.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cut (@thecut)

“I have sat on salon floors, worked 8-hour shifts at beauty retailers, started a company, and am now taking an executive seat at a beauty brand promising to bring a fresh approach to beauty,” N’Diaye told The Cut.

Kardashian recently confirmed the launch of Skims Beauty, which will reintroduce the media personality to the beauty sphere. After shutting down SKKN and KKW Beauty, Kardashian plans to envelop beauty under her SKIMS umbrella. She spoke of the venture during her October appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

With N’Diaye-Mbaye at the forefront, Skims Beauty will introduce Kardashian’s signature neutral tones and aesthetic. Fans of Ami Colé also hope that her leadership will ensure inclusivity for deeper skin types.

N’Diaye-Mbaye hinted at her future on Emma Grede’s pocast, Aspire. Grede is also a co-founder of Skims. The beauty exec spoke of her “gift” of building community through business, a skill she apparently plans to apply in her new role with the billion-dollar brand.

“Product, community, storytelling, being able to emotionally connect with someone [while] not even knowing them…,” she explained, per Allure. ” I do think I have that gift. So let’s see what the universe does with that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Shop These 10 Beauty Brands Owned By Black Women

Broward County, jail, gay inmate killed, Cierre Wood, Gwinnett county jail,, Riker's,, doulla, pregnant, inmates, Councilwoman, Rosenthal — (Photo: Giles Clarke/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2025

Massachusetts To Pay $6.75M Settlement For Weeks-Long Prisoner Abuse

Massachusetts will pay $6.75 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over inmate abuse by corrections officers at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

A federal judge has approved a $6.75 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over violence against inmates at a Massachusetts maximum-security prison.

On Oct. 28, a final settlement was approved by the Department of Corrections (DOC) for over 150 current and former inmates, each set to receive between $10,000 and $40,000 for the violence they suffered during a 2020 crackdown at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center, WBUR reports. In addition to the settlement, the lawsuit will lead to prison reforms, including stricter use-of-force policies for officers, mandatory removal of staff found to have used excessive force, and the implementation of diversity and implicit bias training.

“This settlement represents a final step in a series of actions the Department of Corrections has taken in response to the incident, including a thorough review of existing policies and the implementation of key reforms,” DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a press release.

The lawsuit, Diggs v. Mici, filed in January 2022, alleged that corrections officers used excessive force from Jan. 10 to Feb. 6, 2020. Prison staff and Carol Mici, the former DOC commissioner who retired in 2024, were also named in the suit.

According to the nearly 160 plaintiffs, correction officers and tactical teams carried out a “brutal and calculated collective revenge” against inmates who were not involved in an initial attack on several officers by a small number of prisoners. The lawsuit claims officers used Tasers, pepper ball guns, chemical agents, and dogs against inmates, and that dozens were forced to kneel against a wall with their hands and ankles shackled for hours.

“This brutality included beating and kicking incarcerated people; gouging eyes; grabbing testicles; smashing faces into the ground or wall; deploying Taser guns, pepper ball guns, and other chemical agents; ordering [canines] to menace and bite incarcerated people; and forcing people to kneel in stress positions with hands and ankles shackled, in some cases for several hours,” a press release from the plaintiffs’ legal teams state.

The DOC said it conducted a review of existing policies, consulted national experts, studied best practices, and drew on improvements in law enforcement, leading to the first changes to the Use of Force Regulations since 2009.

In the lawsuit, plaintiffs alleged unconstitutional treatment of Black and Latino inmates, claiming they were “targeted for particularly harsh treatment because of their race,” including excessive force, pulling or cutting dreadlocks, racial slurs, and other discriminatory actions. As part of the settlement, reforms include allowing inmates to self-report their racial identities during booking to prevent misidentification and explicitly prohibiting DOC employees from using racial slurs, with disciplinary measures for violations.

“DOC has consistently misidentified people of color as white, which not only denies individuals their right to self-identify, but also skews demographic data related to use of force and other incidents involving people of color,” the lawyers said.

David Milton, an attorney with Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts, which filed the suit alongside Hogan Lovells, said settlements are uncommon in class-action cases involving prisoners. However, he hopes that this settlement will stop future violence and drive meaningful reforms at Souza, which he described as the state’s most violent prison.