• Politics

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Loses Federal Funding After Refusing Anti-DEI Grant

As part of a $37 million federal package the funds were set aside for Hartsfield-Jackson upgrades.

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has lost $37 million in federal funding.

The world’s busiest airport, by passenger volume, declined funding after city officials refused to sign off on new grant language. The language would have required them to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

As part of a $37 million federal package, the funds were set aside for upgrades, including taxiway pavement replacement and restroom renovations. Additionally, funding was set to expand sustainability initiatives. However, to receive it, the airport had to agree to terms added by the Federal Aviation Administration. City leaders opted not to comply, and the funding was withheld, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

According to the AJC, the airport could still recoup about $19 million in future allocations if it agrees to the new restrictions. 

Mayor Andrew Dickens told the AJC that the federal funding is a fraction of the airport’s robust budget. Federal grants make up less than 10% of Hartsfield-Jackson’s $2 billion capital program, much of which is financed through bonds, airline fees, and concessions.

“The City of Atlanta’s airport is the busiest and most efficient on the planet, with large and complex staffing, operations and capital improvements, supported by an annual capital and operating budget of over $2 billion. 

We are confident that the airport will be able to pursue alternative funding to advance these projects without impacting customers or airport service providers.

Federal funding for the airport, while important, represents less than 10%, approximately $1 billion, of the airport’s total capital program over the next six years.

“The city is currently evaluating all options to ensure alignment with our long-held values, local policy, and federal law and we are confident that the airport will be well-positioned to receive federal funds in the future,” Dickens stated.

For Hartsfield-Jackson, the decision has both symbolic and practical consequences. The airport is a key economic driver for the state of Georgia. The company supports nearly 63,000 jobs on-site and contributes more than $66 billion annually to the state’s economy. Losing the $37 million in federal funding is an example of how harmful DEI legislation can directly affect infrastructure projects.

City leaders have not ruled out the possibility of litigation or further negotiations with the FAA. In the meantime, Atlanta remains committed to continuing its DEI work, even if it means absorbing the loss in federal support.

RELATED CONTENT: Slutty Vegan’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Location Withdrawn Amid Company Restructuring

• Education

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 26, 2025

NYC Mayor Clashes With Schools Over Trans Student Bathroom Policies

Adams admitted he will explore his executive rights to have the policies changed.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is in an uphill battle with Education Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos over bathroom policies that protect transgender students after saying he’s “just not going to support that” in an interview, the New York Post reports. 

Adams has suggested that the policies permitting transgender students to use bathrooms aligned with their gender identities should be changed. Aviles-Ramos says they will stay put, as they align with the department’s values. “To date, those policies remain in place and we’re going to continue to uphold them as part of our values in New York City public schools,” Aviles-Ramos said during a segment of the Max Politics podcast.

However, Adams feels differently. “I don’t know what parent of a little girl would be comfortable with a boy walking into the shower where their baby is,” Adams said during an interview on PIX11. 

During a Sept. 25 news conference in front of the United Nations’ headquarters, Adams seemed to indicate his support for the policies, stating, “We are going to always respect how one identifies themselves,” but continued to push the narrative that it creates safety issues for young students. “I do not believe a safe environment is allowing boys and girls to use the same facility at the same time,” Adams continued, according to the New York Times, adding he will explore his executive rights to have the policies changed. 

Trans rights have been under the microscope for years, but since the Trump administration took over the White House for a second time, things have turned up a notch. In August 2025, attorneys general from 15 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, and the governor of Pennsylvania, issued a lawsuit against the administration over the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. 

While New York Attorney General Letitia James labeled the action as “a cruel and targeted harassment campaign,” under the state’s Human Rights Law, denying facility usage due to a person’s gender identity is considered unlawful discrimination. City guidelines also support trans kids, stating students can’t be forced to use restrooms that conflict with their gender identity. The guideline supports Aviles-Ramos, saying school policy is in accordance with state law. 

The conversation comes as the Trump administration threatened to withhold $24 million in funding after sending a letter expressing being “deeply concerned” about the city’s transgender policies.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Administration Threatens To Withhold Funding From NYC Schools Due To Trans Students’ Protections 

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Amazon Hit With $2.5B FTC Smackdown Over Alleged Sneaky Prime Membership Tricks

The company was accused of deceiving its customers into enrolling for Prime subscriptions and making cancellations deliberately difficult.

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Amazon has agreed to a record $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for an alleged membership scam. 

The company was accused of deceiving its customers into enrolling for Prime subscriptions and making cancellations deliberately difficult, according to federal filings. The deal is one of the largest civil penalties ever imposed by the agency. 

Under the agreement, Amazon will pay $1.5 billion in refunds to affected customers and $1 billion as a civil penalty. Customers will need to meet two criteria to be eligible. Those who enrolled in Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, via the platform’s misleading interfaces and used fewer than three benefits, will receive $51 automatically. Others with more engagement may submit claims, but are not guaranteed compensation.

The FTC alleged that Amazon employed “dark patterns” and manipulative website designs to encourage users to enroll in Prime without their express consent. Additionally, the company crafted convoluted cancellation flows to discourage exits. Internal documents and testimony during the trial reportedly showed Amazon employees discussed making subscription cancellations “hard” to reduce turnover. 

In a statement, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson spoke about the company’s alleged deception.

“The evidence showed that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription. Today, we are putting billions of dollars back into Americans’ pockets, and making sure Amazon never does this again. The Trump-Vance FTC is committed to fighting back when companies try to cheat ordinary Americans out of their hard-earned pay,” Ferguson wrote.

Amazon denied any admission of wrongdoing, saying the settlement allows it to “move forward and focus on innovating for customers.” 

The company is committed to clearer disclosures and simplified cancellation options. Amazon now implements transparent opt-out buttons for Prime offers in its user interface. 

Some critics argue that the penalty is not severe enough, given the billion-dollar corporation’s large relative size and reach. Nevertheless, the settlement sends a strong signal about regulators’ increasing scrutiny of Big Tech and their use of subscription models. Amazon also faces ongoing antitrust challenges, with another FTC case scheduled for trial in 2027 that accuses the company of monopolistic practices.

RELATED CONTENT: Amazon Buys $270M Land Development South Of Atlanta For Potential Data Center

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 26, 2025

Rep. Billy Long’s Auctioneer Skills Resurface Online, Hilariously Drown Out Laura Loomer During 2018 Hearing

Old clip of the MAGA activist being drowned out by former Congressman Long goes viral.

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While far-right political activist and MAGA loyalist Laura Loomer continues her attempt to embarrass Black leaders on social media, an old clip of her being drowned out by former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer Rep. Billy Long has resurfaced on social media, drawing comical commentary. 

In 2018, Loomer stood up to protest a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, accusing former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey of attempting to push the midterm elections in favor of Democrats, according to CBS News. Shortly after she stood up, Long used his professional auctioneer skills to drown her out, auctioning off the iPhone she held in her hand.

His “and I yield back” once Loomer was escorted out caused the room to erupt in laughter. “Somehow I think our auctioneer-in-residence is going to get tweeted about today,” Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) can be heard saying. 

This month, Loomer has taken to social media to berate leaders of Congress including Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Illhan Omar (D-MN) following their sentiments on the resolution vote to honor slain conservative advocate Charlie Kirk. She made headlines by referring to Crockett as a “ghetto Black b****” on social media in a response to a clip on CNN. 

However, in this flashback, she is the butt of the joke with Long being celebrated for his past actions. 

“Billy Long silencing Laura Loomer with his auctioneer voice is the kind of poetic justice we didn’t know we needed,” @jp_swede said on Threads. 

Another user questioned how audience members were able to contain their laughter for so long. “Its the “I yield back” for me. How that room contained itself for so long is also fun,” @hypernatremic_medic said. 

But another user rained on Long’s parade with allegations that he may be a part of the MAGA tribe as well. 

Long was in the news back in August 2025 after being ousted from his position as IRS Commissioner by the Trump administration just two months after being hired for the job. NPR reported the former auctioneer was added to the post with little experience in tax administration and was eyeing a position as ambassador.

“It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” Long said. “I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”

RELATED CONTENT: Laura Loomer Calls Jasmine Crockett A ‘Ghetto Black B**** Who Hates America’ After Discussing Charlie Kirk Congress Vote

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 26, 2025

Gabrielle Union Receives Entrepreneur Impact Award, Credits Business Success To ‘The Power Of The Pivot’

Union shares the secret to her business success while accepting Variety's Entrepreneur Impact Award.

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From beauty and fashion to food and baby care, on top of her acting career, Gabrielle Union-Wade knows the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and exactly when it’s time to pivot.

On Sept. 25, actress and entrepreneur Gabrielle Union took center stage at the Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles, where she received the inaugural Entrepreneur Impact Award and revealed the key to her business success.

“It’s the power of the pivot,” Union said, as captured by Variety. “When it’s not working or it doesn’t sit right in my soul, I’m losing sleep. It’s wrong. I have to pivot, and there’s no shame in my game. I didn’t like it; it did not work for me. I’m going to try again.”

Union earned the honor for her achievements with Proudly, the sustainable baby care line she co-founded with husband, Dwyane Wade, in celebration of their daughter, Kaavia James. Created for infants of color, the hypoallergenic line launched exclusively in partnership with JCPenney, the retailer’s first dedicated expansion into baby apparel.

Beyond Proudly, Union also founded Flawless by Gabrielle Union, co-founded Bitsy’s snacks, launched a fashion line with New York & Company, and invests in other ventures as an angel investor. Accepting the Entrepreneur Impact Award, she credited her drive to uplift underserved communities as the foundation of her business journey.

“All I wanted to do was to help and ensure I covered the most vulnerable while centering the needs, wants, desires, and fears of folks who have been historically marginalized,” Union said. “When I do that in my arts and entrepreneurship, my soul sings. That’s what it all boils down to.”

With starring roles in cult classics like “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Bring It On,” “She’s All That,” and “Deliver Us from Eva,” Union has long understood the influence of her platform and how to use it to speak truth to power while uplifting marginalized communities. Union later reflected on the moment she first recognized her influence during the press tour for the 2003 film “Bad Boys II.”

“While I had that microphone in my hand, I knew I could speak truth to power and make real change,” she said. “That was the first time I was like, ‘Wow, people are listening to me, they’re printing what I’m saying, and it’s traveling around the world. So I should say something of substance that helps more than just me.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Gabrielle Union’s Fashion Facts

• Legal

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 26, 2025

Enterprise Car Leasing To Pay $1.8M In Age Bias Case For Refusal To Hire Workers Over 40

Roughly 15% of applications the company received were from applicants aged 40 or over but represented under 3% of hires.

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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Enterprise Leasing Company of Florida, LLC will pay $1.8 million in addition to non-monetary relief, in an effort to settle an age discrimination lawsuit after being accused of not hiring employees over the age of 40, WFLA reported.

The federal suit alleges Enterprise Leasing, operating National, Enterprise, and Alamo car rentals in Florida, denied employment for candidates aged 40 or older for its management trainee position dating back to approximately 2019 to present day. Roughly 15% of applications the company received were from applicants aged 40 or over but represented under 3% of hires. In a statement, EEOC Regional Attorney Kristen Foslid said employers can’t deny employment due to age. “Over a third of the adult workforce in the United States is age 50 or older,” Foslid said. 

“Employers cannot overlook qualified applicants simply because of their age.” 

The EEOC said they have worked with more than 125 witnesses who could testify to being asked how old they were or when they graduated during the interview process where Enterprise hiring officials told them they were seeking candidates fresh out of college. Statements discouraged candidates from continuing the interview, in addition to them being subjected to other age-related comments. 

Miami EEOC District Director, Evangaline Hawthorne, feels Enterprise is at a disadvantage, as the designated age group can bring experience to the table. “Workers in this protected age group bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workforce and can contribute to organizational success,” Hawthorne said.

“This settlement reflects the EEOC’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of age.” 

As part of the settlement, Enterprise will provide monetary relief to applicants affected by discriminatory practices, in addition to implementing a three-year consent decree. According to Tampa Free Press, the company must create and embed new Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) policies and provide training on age discrimination on a yearly basis. The company also must establish a robust bi-annual reporting system in order to give the EEOC concrete data on its hiring decisions in an effort to push a narrative of transparency.

To make sure issues of age discrimination don’t occur again, the settlement requires Enterprise to conduct mandatory investigations into additional complaints and create an ethics hotline for applicants and employees to report discrimination complaints.

RELATED CONTENT: EEOC Halts Investigating Discrimination, LGBTQ+ Claims

• Beauty

by Ahsan Washington

September 26, 2025

Get Groomed: 7 Black Brands That Center Men’s Cosmetic Care

Black men have historically faced unique skin challenges

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Black men have historically faced unique skin, hair, and grooming requirements and issues that go frequently overlooked by the mainstream beauty industry. According to Rolling Out, Black individuals spent $9.4 billion on the beauty industry in 2023, and were projected to reach a valuation of $10.2 billion in 2024. However, 45% of Black men express a lack of representation in cosmetic products made specifically for them, Black Beauty Roster reported. 

Fortunately, there are companies that cater to the cosmetic and grooming needs of Black male consumers. These seven Black-owned and Black-founded brands have developed products specifically designed for prevalent concerns such as razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, textured hair, and sensitivity.

1) Bevel

Bevel, founded by Tristan Walker, is a grooming line offering shaving systems, skin, hair, body, and beard care for men, especially those with coarse or curly hair and melanin-rich skin. Key focus is reducing razor bumps and irritation. Founded in 2013, Bevel expanded to include hair, body, and skin lines and wider retail distribution.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Quhlml3_O/?igsh=NjVxOXg0ZGZjZ3hz

2) Frederick Benjamin Grooming

Frederick Benjamin Grooming, created by Michael James, provides natural grooming and haircare products specifically for men of color. The range includes shaving essentials, beard care, hair styling products, and scalp treatments, addressing issues like dry scalp, coarse hair, and razor bumps. Located in New York City, Frederick Benjamin Grooming offers its products online and in retail locations, addressing the demand for clean-ingredient grooming solutions designed for textured hair and common irritation challenges faced by men of color.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzTqOoeuAiT/?igsh=dXdmZW05a2NqN2Nw

3) H.I.M-istry Naturals

H.I.M-istry Naturals, created by Darnell Henderson, is a men’s grooming brand providing natural and organic products for skin, shaving, beard, and body care. Designed to tackle acne, dryness, early aging, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, these products specifically serve men with textured skin and hair. Initially launched as a spa in South Florida, the brand grew and established significant retail partnerships in 2021.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DETmcY2y8XS/?igsh=eXQ5cmZlNHR2dHJl

4) Tracaris

Tracaris, a relatively new, independent brand based in New York, is serious about redefining masculinity and beauty for Black men. The brand offers luxury/indie skincare products (e.g., Hydrating Radiance Serum, Botanical Rose Toner) designed to shield skin from environmental stressors and suitable for all skin types, particularly melanin-rich skin. Tracaris products are available through its website and select boutique channels. The brand is dedicated to addressing the unique skin concerns of Black men while challenging norms related to masculinity and beauty.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwDTDTsLm1D/?igsh=MTlnaHpybGI0MTNieQ==

5) BLK/OPL (Men’s Grooming Collection)

BLK/OPL (Men’s Grooming Collection), a renowned beauty brand aimed at women of color, is now expanding into men’s grooming with a new collection that tackles razor bumps and post-shave hydration, specifically crafted for “melanin-rich” skin. Launched in 2025, the collection will be available through BLK/OPL’s channels and potentially broader beauty retail in the US.  This extension is designed to cater to the unique needs of Black men, who have often been overlooked in the beauty aisle regarding products for melanin-rich skin.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNOBi-rtxFm/?igsh=MTg1NHBhcjJhbnRkaA==

6) Epilogic

Epilogic, created by Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, is a skincare line designed specifically for Black and brown skin. It tackles hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, and steers clear of unnecessary additives that may lead to irritation. Epilogic operates out of Brooklyn, New York, and can be found online.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL5NdoBufBP/?igsh=MXI0bmNycWZvMmFyZQ==

7) Scotch Porter

Scotch Porter, established in 2015, is a brand that offers beard, hair, face, and body products made from clean ingredients. Founded by Calvin Quallis, the company seeks to deliver grooming essentials for men of color while encouraging wellness and self-care.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWTds-SNjM/?igsh=MTY1cHlrajM3cTBsdw==

RELATED CONTENT: Billy Porter’s New Gender-Neutral Beauty Line Is Made For ‘People Who Want To Explore’

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Serena Williams Criticizes Cotton Decor At Hotel: ‘Doesn’t Feel Right’

The tennis legend discovered a cotton plant decoration that she said stirred deep discomfort.

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Serena Williams spoke about an uncomfortable experience she had during a recent hotel stay in New York City.

The tennis legend discovered a cotton plant decoration that she said stirred deep discomfort, given the history attached to the material. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, shared her reaction on Instagram earlier this week. She posted a short video showing a vase of cotton stalks at an unnamed hotel and asked her followers directly about their feelings. 

“Alright, everyone. How do we feel about cotton as decoration?” she asked her Instagram followers.

In the same video, Williams examined the stems more closely. She remarked that the buds resembled “nail polish remover cotton,” and physically cringed while touching them. 

 Williams added her personal feelings about the decorations, “Personally for me, it doesn’t feel great.”

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Williams’ comments quickly sparked responses from detractors. Many were harsh.

On Instagram, many pointed out that the mother of two was married to a white man. For that reason, she should not have an opinion about the matter.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 26, 2025

Atlanta Man Flips Out After Refusing To Be Searched By Male TSA Employee

'I'm not allowing them to elect the person that they want to elect because I want to elect the person. But I don't want no man touching me.'

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A chaotic scene took place at an airport when an Atlanta man refused to allow a male Transportation Security Administration employee search him as he walked through security, while requesting that a woman do the task because he did not want a man “touching” his ass.

The Neighborhood Talk posted the video clip to its Instagram account as the scene takes place. The man, who identified himself as David Dyers, was upset that a man had to search him, which is typically done at airports. Instead, he protested because he didn’t want “no man touching my ass!” he expressed to a woman TSA employee.

“I don’t want no man touching me right now. That’s the whole issue. But since I don’t want no men touching me, they got a problem with that. So can you search me, or can a woman search me? It doesn’t even matter,” he said.

As he continues to protest the matter, the woman TSA employee tries to explain to him that he will get searched, as that is the only way he can be allowed to fly to his destination in Atlanta. However, Dyers continues to state that no man is touching him and that he is “allowing” TSA to do their job, but he is not allowing the person they “elect” to perform the duty, again insisting that the person he “elects” can’t be a man.

“I’m not allowing them to elect the person that they want to elect because I want to elect the person. But I don’t want no man touching me. So what’s the issue with that?”

As other airline officials are summoned to the scene, the TSA agents show extreme patience in trying to get Dyers to calm down and allow the male TSA agent to do his job so he can get through security.

The woman explains to the other official that they are not trying to hold him or even prevent him from going through, but he can’t decide who pats him down.

After finally relenting and saying that he would allow the man to search him, he, once again, lodges his complaint and rehashes his argument. The clip ends as he seemingly goes through the security protocol, rather than being possibly arrested or prevented from boarding his departing flight.

RELATED CONTENT: Ice Cube Blasted TSA For Stealing iPad And Then It Was Swiftly ‘Recovered’