‘Trauma Leave’: How A 90-Second Outage Caused Chaos With Air Traffic Controllers In Newark
For roughly 90 seconds, air traffic controllers could not see or communicate with United Airlines Flight 1951 from New Orleans to Newark. The lapse contributed to more than a week of widespread delays, staffing shortages, and a reduced flight schedule.
Air traffic controllers in Newark are currently on trauma leave after a 90-second system outage created chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
For roughly 90 seconds, air traffic controllers could not see or communicate with United Airlines Flight 1951 from New Orleans to Newark. According to Bloomberg, the lapse contributed to more than a week of widespread delays, staffing shortages, and a reduced flight schedule.
A total of 1,000 flights have been delayed or canceled since April 28. In some instances, passengers witnessed more than three hours of delay on their flights, and ground stops have been reported, according to CBS News.
Updates Coming To System Amid Air Traffic Trauma Leave
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to announce plans to overhaul the nation’s aging system, on Thursday.
“We are going to radically transform the way air traffic control looks. We’re going to build a brand new air traffic control system — from new telecoms to new radars to new infrastructure. We’re bringing on new air traffic controllers,” Duffy said during an interview with Fox News Monday night. “This has been a problem in the decades coming, and we’re going to fix it.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a statement stating that the antiquated system is affecting the workforce. The FAA supported Duffy’s announcement to update the system.
“Frequent equipment and telecommunications outages can be stressful for controllers. Some controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON who work Newark arrivals and departures have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages,” the FAA said in a statement. “While we cannot quickly replace them due to this highly specialized profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace.”
The staffing issues are expected to last through the rest of the week. Newark’s airspace requires special certification, making reassigning controllers from other airports challenging.
Duke Women’s Basketball Coach Kara Lawson Appointed To Lead Team USA At FIBA AmeriCup
Coach Lawson says Team USA will be competitive and represent excellence as they fight for a fifth AmeriCup gold medal.
Duke University women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson is headed to Chile this summer to lead Team USA at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
As the appointed head coach, Lawson will be working with some of the top players in the country as Team USA competes to bring home the gold medal. Excited to be assisted by Old Dominion coach DeLisha Milton-Jones and Oklahoma’s Jennie Baranczyk, the three-time Olympic gold medalist’s number one goal is to assemble a team that is competitive and represents the number one standard — excellence.
”I always look forward to serving USA Basketball in any capacity that I am asked,” said Lawson, according to SB Nation. “I’ve always tried to compete and give my best in the different roles I’ve been given. That won’t change this summer.”
Lawson is coming off of her fifth season with the Duke Blue Devils, winning the ACC Tournament title and leading the team to the Elite Eight for the first time in over a decade. As a Team USA coach, the University of Tennessee alum boasts a 75-5 record and two gold medals, which include the 3×3 team in Tokyo in 2021 and the 5×5 team in Paris last summer. She also scored a gold medal as a player on the 2008 team.
The coach said basketball is “a gift” that has rewarded her “so much over the years as a player, as a committee member, and as a coach.”
Team USA is preparing to fight for the AmeriCup gold medal following its silver medal title from the team’s 2023 face-off against Brazil. Working to secure their fifth AmeriCup gold medal, Team USA has been placed in Group B along with Chile, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. USA’s most recent gold title was secured by the 2021 team, which included Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston, and Elissa Cunane.
Port Of L.A. Executives Warn Consumers Of Shortages As Boats Carrying Chinese Goods Cut In Half
Officials feel American consumers are going to have to make some decisions as in a matter of weeks, they will witness the cost of goods increase.
As the first boats carrying goods from China with 145% tariffs arrive at the Port of Los Angeles with shipments cut in half, executives warn of expected consumer shortages “soon,” CNN reports.
The ships carry the first round of products subject to the stiff tariffs amid the growing trade war between the U.S. and China. Officials feel American consumers will have to make some decisions as, in a matter of weeks, they will witness the cost of goods increase, in addition to a risk of shortages. “This week, we’re down about 35% compared to the same time last year, and these cargo ships coming in are the first ones to be attached to the tariffs that were levied against China and other locations last month,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
“That’s why the cargo volume is so light.”
Seroka says the drop-off in imports from China on the boats coming into the Port is more than 50%, as he suspects importers may have canceled previous orders since U.S. businesses aren’t interested in paying for the steep tariff. As a result, the price of Chinese goods may double. In May 2025, the Port expected close to 80 ships to arrive, but 20% of them canceled. Customers have already canceled 13 incoming ships for June. “And you still don’t know how long this is going to last,” he highlighted.
“Retailers and importers alike are telling me that the products now cost about two and a half times more than they did just last month.”
Other port executives like Port of Long Beach’s CEO Mario Cordero feel business will see a “precipitous” drop since July is known as peak shipping season, normally seeing an increase in activity, according to KTLA 5. But not this time around. “It’s a lack of clarity and what I’ve called a ‘radical’ uncertainty,” Cordero said. “If you’re a shipper and have products in China when there’s a 145% tariff, you’re going to want to wait if you believe this is going to be mitigated in the months to come.”
However, retailers are finding ways to get around the increased prices of Trump’s trade war. Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, a logistics and freight forwarding broker, reveals a number since it’s cheaper than paying the tariff. However, that can cause a vast delay in delivery, as much as 60%, since importers and retailers are unwilling to pay the tariff cost. ”A 60% decline in containers means 60% less stuff arriving,” Petersen said.
“It’s only a matter of time before they sell through existing inventory, and then you’ll see shortages. And that’s when you see price hikes.”
Mississippi Valley State University Hires Kimberly Wade To Lead Volleyball Program
'I am committed to building a competitive program centered on discipline, teamwork, and resilience'
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has recently announced the hiring of its new Women’s Volleyball head coach, Kimberly Wade.
Wade will be taking over the program with a vast knowledge of the game based on her extensive experience working in the volleyball sphere for the past 20 years.
In a written statement, Wade said, “I am honored to join the Mississippi Valley State family and lead the Devilettes.”
“I am committed to building a competitive program centered on discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I look forward to working with our student-athletes to help them grow as players, students, and leaders.”
She is coming from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where she served as an assistant volleyball coach. Before ascending to the college ranks, as a coach at Ridgeway High School in Memphis, she built a powerhouse program as the head coach from 2007 to 2013. She was responsible for all facets of the volleyball program, which included player development, game strategy, and scouting for suitable talent.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Wade to the Valley,” said MVSU interim Director of Athletics George Ivory. “Her passion for the game, focus on holistic player development, and commitment to academic achievement make her the perfect fit to lead our volleyball program into a new era of success.”
Wade is an educator who has extensive experience off the court as well. She has worked as a substitute teacher, math instructor, and special education teaching assistant for Memphis Shelby County Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Christian Brothers University in Memphis and holds multiple certifications, including USAV Delta Region Volleyball Coaching Certification, NCAA Recruiting Certification, and Safe Sport Coaching credentials.
Shortly after Wade’s hiring, Mississippi Valley also announced that the school had brought on Jason James as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program. He was the interim coach during the past season and now holds the title in an official capacity.
Cash Money Records Is Still Taking Over With 30-Year Anniversary Tour
The concert is a nostalgic throwback
The Cash Money tour set its sails on Atlanta’s State Farm Arena this past Saturday, May 3. Its offering is a nostalgic throwback to a time when “Cash Money Records [was] taking over for the ’99 and the 2000.” Concertgoers were comprised of millennials who may have grown up hearing Juvenile’s classics, “Back That Azz Up,” “Ha,” and the Hot Boyz’s obligatory anthem “Bling-Bling,” but more so their parents who were young budding Gen Xers back in the day.
Members of State Property opened up the show. Chris and Neef took the stage with a slimmed down Freeway, and a much leaner Beanie Siegel, who revisited Roc-a-fella era hip-hop notables from the early 2000s: “Feel It In The Air,” “Rock The Mic,” “What We Do,” and “Flipside” among others. Cassidy, a blast from the past, joined his Philadelphia brethren’s during the set to entertain the audience with “I’mma Hustler,” and a tease of hits from his discography.
The marquee moment that most people were waiting for kicked off with a warm-up from Cash Money’s own DJ and producer Mannie Fresh, who made way for Juvenile; The Hot Boyz featuring Turk and BG, who is home fresh off a 12-year bid; and of course Ms. Gladys’ son Birdman. The supergroup performed a slew of hits from the Cash Money Millionaires catalogue: “Slow Motion,” “I Need A Hot Girl,” “Hood Rich,” and “#1 Stunna” to name a few. Notably, Lil Wayne was absent from the lineup. However, according to the crowd’s enthusiasm and participation, it was good to see New Orleans’ beloved Hip-Hop posse hold their own and share a healthy dose of that Cajun dopeness. There are 10 more cities left on the tour. Tickets are sold on Ticketmaster.
Born at home in Aiken County, South Carolina, in February 1949, during segregation, Gantt Palmer never received a birth certificate. It was a common reality for many African Americans at the time, who were often denied access to hospitals due to Jim Crow laws.
“Back in those days, we were born at home. Nobody going to no hospital,” said Gantt Palmer. “The lady came to your house and helped your mom have the baby.”
Gantt Palmer legally drove for decades using her postal worker ID and Florida-issued license. The newly enforced Real ID rules are now presenting Gantt Palmer with obstacles.
“After waiting two hours in the line, I said, ‘I’d like to renew my driver’s license.’ ‘Oh no, you need this and you need that,’” Gantt Palmer recalled. ”For what, what reason? I never had it before.”
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 and now in full effect as of May 7, requires individuals to present verified documents proving identity and citizenship to receive federally approved identification.
The enforcement of Real ID standards affects more than just driver’s license renewals. As of today, travelers must comply with the Real ID identification.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have stated that individuals without compliant ID will be turned away at airport security checkpoints unless they present a valid alternative, such as a military ID or passport.
Gantt Palmer’s niece, Florida State Rep. Ashley Gantt, is helping her aunt navigate the complex process of applying for a delayed birth certificate through the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The department requires at least three historical documents to establish identity. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s office has stepped in to explore ways to expedite documentation before the 90-day extension on Gantt Palmer’s license expires.
Gantt Palmer’s case underscores the impact of historical inequality on compliance with modern federal laws. With Real ID now required for essential travel and federal access, advocacy groups have raised concerns about how elderly Americans, rural residents, and historically marginalized communities will navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
SHOCKING VERDICT: Memphis Cops Found ‘Not Guilty’ In Tyre Nichols Beating
What is this world coming to?
In a stunning decision that reverberated nationwide, a Tennessee jury on Wednesday acquitted three former Memphis police officers of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who fled a traffic stop.
After deliberating for roughly 8 1/2 hours over two days following a nine-day trial in Memphis, the jury found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith not guilty on all counts. The courtroom erupted with emotion as the verdict was read; the former officers embraced their attorneys while relatives wept, with one exclaiming, “Thank you, Jesus!”
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Three former Memphis police officers acquitted on all charges in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in 2023. pic.twitter.com/TJA9FWUCkY
Despite being found not guilty on state charges, Bean, Haley, and Smith still face potential federal prison sentences stemming from their convictions on federal charges last year.
The brutal incident unfolded after Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was pulled from his vehicle, pepper-sprayed, and Tasered, before fleeing. The five officers involved, all of whom are also Black, caught up with Nichols, subjecting him to punches, kicks, and blows from a police baton. The encounter ended with Nichols calling out for his mother, steps from his own home.
He succumbed to his injuries three days later, on Jan. 10, 2023.
On social media, emotions ran high as X platform users vehemently expressed their justified anger and shock over the outrageous not guilty verdict.
Fuck Memphis fuck the Memphis Police fuck CJ Davis fuck Paul Young. How in the fuck is the did the officers in the Tyre Nichols case all get found NOT GUILTY? That’s a slap in the face to Tyre Nichols and his family.
They literally beat the life outta Tyre Nichols! And got found not guilty on all 7 counts! This country is a fucking joke.
— 👑💐your favorite flower (@gardenfullofjas) May 7, 2025
Judge Ashley @CourtTV The verdict for Tyre Nichols is an Outrage!!!! Is the blind??? I feel so sorry for his mother. Another sad day in the justice system.
🚨 BREAKING: the jury has reached a verdict on the beating of Tyre Nichols. Bean, Haley & Smith. Not Guilty 2nd degree murder. Not Guilty of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon. Not Guilty Official misconduct Complete miscarriage of Justice! Rest In Peace, Tyre Nichols. pic.twitter.com/ffkZuAWtwJ
Metro Atlanta City Approves Reparations Task Force With Apology To Black Residents
The task force will suggest policy recommendations and community healing efforts for its Black residents.
The city of Decatur in Metro Atlanta has unanimously approved the creation of a reparations task force.
According to Fox 5, the Decatur City Commission adopted the resolution on May 5. The 11-member task force will release a report in three years, including policy recommendations to benefit the city’s Black residents.
The news comes a year after city leaders signed off on a contract with the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights to “uncover the legacy of racial harm” in Decatur. The alliance spearheaded the research work into reparations, holding community gatherings and listening sessions on how racial injustice has financially and systematically hurt these residents.
Their research detailed Decatur’s role in slavery and segregation, as well as redlining and property seizures against the Black community. Decatur also displayed multiple Confederate monuments, particularly one formerly at the DeKalb County Courthouse.
The city not only recognized its oppressive tactics toward its Black residents but also apologized for the actions that have stifled their progress.
“The City of Decatur formally acknowledges its past role in the systemic oppression of people of African descent through enslavement, human trafficking, convict-labor, discriminatory zoning and development, underinvestment in African American communities, school segregation, racially biased policing, the destruction of African American-owned property, businesses, and institutions and the displacement and erasure of the Beacon Hill community, people and culture,” the resolution reads.
The city aims to appoint the 11 members, with the help of the Beacon Hill Black Alliance, within the next 60 days. They will bring a variety of expertise to the task force, with members consisting of historians, legal experts, and youth advocates. For the next three years, the task force will compile records of Black land and property loss, noting economic displacement while also interviewing descendants of those impacted by these oppressive tactics.
City officials added, “The City extends a full and public apology to the Black residents of Decatur—past and present— and their descendants for its role in perpetuating discrimination, oppression, subjugation and the resulting harms, profiting from policies rooted in the system of white supremacy.”
The reparations task force will also propose city-sponsored memorialization projects, economic equity tools, and other investment strategies and communal initiatives to remedy its racist past. The move will follow other communities, even within Metro Atlanta, that have enacted reparation initiatives for Black residents. In Decatur’s neighboring Fulton County, its task force will resume holding meetings this year.
While the plan comes amid the national anti-DEI push sparked by the Trump administration, local leaders remain committed to the same justice efforts launched before Trump took office.
Opinion: Can’t Find A Job You Like? Buying One Is Now An Option To Consider
I first wrote about this topic in BLACK ENTERPRISEalmost ten years ago. With the New York Times reporting that “as of early May 2025, approximately 260,000 federal workers had been fired, taken buyouts, or retired early,” it’s a great time to revisit this topic and provide readers with insights and options available in franchising that can not only replace that job but relieve you of the threat and fear of being laid off ever again.
Being downsized or laid off puts thousands of people every year at a crossroads, trying to decide what their next steps will be. It feels abnormal not to get up and go to work every day, confident of a regular paycheck, especially if you’ve been in the same career or position for ten or more years. While it may not feel like it, now is the perfect time to explore your options. That could include looking for another job, but perhaps it’s an opportunity to pursue something you’ve only dreamed about – becoming your own boss!
If buying a franchise seems daunting, try to view things through a different lens. Franchising provides numerous options that allow for the flexibility of working from home, solopreneurship, low start-up investment, and alignment with your skills and experience. Consider buying yourself a job that puts you in a place where you don’t have to report to anyone but are still able to do the work you love, with an entire support organization behind you. And who knows, while building the business, you may discover you have a passion for it, generating enough income to expand, eventually employing others, and becoming an inspiration to those who are at the same crossroads you once were at.
Perhaps you don’t want to continue doing the same thing, but in fact, learn something new, or there’s a different sector you’ve been interested in and afraid to pursue. One of the best parts of franchising is that in many cases, you don’t need additional education or certifications to be successful. The franchise trains and/or certifies you in all aspects of the business.
Here are just five franchise opportunities to consider when buying a job or a new career. To learn about more opportunities, visit NValuable Franchise Consulting, Inc. today and book a free consultation.
1. STRATUS BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Stratus Building Solutions provides an affordable path into the fast-growing commercial cleaning industry — one that’s proven resilient even in economic downturns. Franchisees are equipped from the start with eco-friendly tools, branded marketing resources, and continuous support to help them scale. With unit growth of 73% over the past three years, the brand shows strong momentum, especially for entrepreneurs looking to start part-time and expand into a full-time venture. 10% discount on franchise fees for all veterans. Initial investment: $4,450 – $79,750.
2. ERA GROUP – EXPENSE REDUCTION ANALYSIS
Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) is one of the world’s leading networks for cost, purchase, and supply management. For more than 30 years and across 50+ countries, ERA has been offering individuals the opportunity to build their own businesses and achieve a rewarding work/life balance. Its franchisees save their clients’ money in more than 40 cost categories, including freight, telecommunications, office supplies, fleet management, insurance, and more. Veterans discount provided. Initial Investment: $69,000.
3. OASIS SENIOR CARE ADVISORS
Using deliberate marketing, proprietary technology, and sincere and genuine compassion, Oasis Senior Care Advisors helps to guide seniors and families in locating the proper senior living communities within their budget, geographic area, and according to their physical and mental health needs. Veterans discount provided. Initial Investment: $40,000. 4. CRESTCOM INTERNATIONAL
For more than 35 years, Crestcom International franchisees have trained business people across the globe in the areas of management and leadership. Today, Crestcom has grown to become one of the training industry’s most successful and widely used management and leadership programs, and it’s among Fortune magazine’s “Top 100 Companies.” Businesses turn to Crestcom to help transform managers into leaders and generate real business results. Crestcom’s training program accommodates companies of all sizes — from small to mid-sized businesses, to global multi-national organizations. Financial assistance and a Veterans discount are provided. Initial Investment: $75,000. 5. DRYER VENT WIZARD INTERNATIONAL
Dryer Vent Wizard is a scalable home-based, home service franchise providing installation, repair, and cleaning products and services for dryer vents, bathroom vents, kitchen vents, appliances, exhaust vents, air movement systems, and washing machine filters and hoses to enhance the performance and safety of clothes dryers and other household appliances to residential and commercial customers. Ranked in the Top 10 Best Franchise Brands with an investment between $0 and $150,000 by Forbes magazine. Financial assistance is provided, as well as discounts for veterans, minorities, and women. Initial Investment: $30,000.
South Carolina State University Lands 2 Football Players From Shuttered School
Shon Brown and Jackson Chavis, who both played at Limestone University, will now be doing so for South Carolina State
With Limestone University recently closing due to financial struggles, the South Carolina State University football team was able to gain two players for the upcoming season.
According to HBCU Gameday, Shon Brown and Jackson Chavis, who both played on the defensive line at Limestone University, will now be doing so for South Carolina State. They will line up on the field for second-year football coach Chennis Berry.
Both defensive players took to their social media accounts to announce their move to the Southern school.
Committed! Bringing the Holy Spirit to SC State. Praise Jesus! 💙
Brown will enter the next season with impressive stats from his time at Limestone. During the past season, he made 42 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries.
Chavis played two sports, football and wrestling, while attending Hartsville High School in Gaffney, South Carolina. As he enters his first year at South Carolina State, he comes in with an impressive resume. During his time at Hartsville, Gaffney was an all-conference offensive tackle and defensive end. He also received the Pee Dee Offensive Lineman of the Year award and won two state championships in wrestling.
The additions of both players will make the school more formidable than it is now. The Bulldogs had a winning record of 9-3 overall while going undefeated (5-0) in conference play in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). The team brought home the MEAC title and earned a Celebration Bowl berth in the 2024 season.
In February, the school had seven players and six coaches represent South Carolina State at the 2025 All-State HBCU Legacy Bowl at Tulane’s Yalman Stadium in New Orleans.
