by Sharelle B. McNair

December 30, 2025

Israel’s Recognition Of Somaliland Sparks International Backlash, Emergency U.N. Session

President Donald Trump, who met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Dec. 29, said he would not follow Israel’s recognition.

After Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland, a small territory in Somalia that claimed its independence in 1991 and has been riddled in war since, countries are pushing back against the decision, Politico reports.

Countries including Jordan, Qatar, and Algeria, along with the African Union, rejected Israel’s move after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a joint declaration on Dec. 26 with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullah, citing it as “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.”

Qatar called the declaration “a dangerous precedent and a unilateral action that violates the principles of international law.”

The African Union, a continental union of 55 African states, released a statement saying it “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity” with failure to mention Israel by name.

Somaliland is located on Somalia’s Gulf of Aden coast, with Djibouti, home to the largest U.S. military base in Africa, next door. It is also located where the Bab el-Mandeb strait connects with the Red Sea, known as a strategic section of trade routes.

The United States caught wind of the recognition, with the State Department announcing it will continue to recognize the territorial integrity of Somalia, “which includes the territory of Somaliland.” President Donald Trump, who met with Netanyahu on Dec. 29 in Florida, said he would not follow in the footsteps of Israel’s recognition.

According to The Washington Post, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on Dec. 29 following Israel’s decision, citing that the move lists Israel as a potential outsider among the international community.

The European External Action Service, working with the European Union, took a slightly different stance, calling for “meaningful dialogue” between Somalia and Somaliland, and saying the recognition “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity” of Somalia.

The move comes at a time where Somalia is the topic of conversation, especially in the U.S. Trump has aggressively pushed back against Somalian refugees settling in the states, particularly in Minnesota. The state is home to hundreds of Somalian natives, including Rep. Illhan Omar, who has been under attack from the president, GOP lawmakers, and MAGA loyalists.

Omar opposed the Somaliland recognition and is being scrutinized for it by experts and analysts who feel the congresswoman’s views on Somalia could contradict her goals while in office.

“Ilhan Omar left Somalia, but Somalia never left her,” senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Michael Rubin told Fox News Digital. “In her Somali-language speeches, she refers to Somalia as her home, not America and so it is clear she appears to seek to advance Somalia’s interests on the global stage.”

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, Sheriff's Office

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 30, 2025

A Tall Order: Shaq Backs 7’3” Former Pro After Narrow Miss On Police Cadet Exam

Shaq has agreed to help Jordan Wilmore after the police cadet failed an exam by one point

Shaquille O’Neal, recently announced as the new Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in North Georgia, has offered to sponsor the career aspirations of a former basketball player who wants to become a police officer.

According to CBS News, Jordan Wilmore, a Memphis native, successfully completed the police academy but failed his exam by one point. Wilmore, who is 7-foot-3-inches, played college ball at Missouri, Northwestern State, and Austin Peay State University before playing professionally overseas, most recently in the Philippines.

Wilmore will attend another police academy, with Shaq providing financial support. Wilmore is seeking a career with the Kemah (Texas) Police Department.

“I found out about him through jealousy,” O’Neal, who stands at 7’1″, told CBS News. “I thought I was the tallest, handsomest cop in the world.”

Shaq’s love for law enforcement is well-documented, and he has worked with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office for nearly five years. “It’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer. I love cops,” the basketball legend and Inside the NBA stalwart said.

Wilmore admitted that he wanted to become a police officer, but was encouraged to pursue basketball because he was so tall.

“It was hard for me to share, like, my dreams or, you know, the stuff I wanted to do growing up because it was, ‘Well, you just got to focus on basketball because it can make you millions,'” Wilmore told CBS News in September.

Shaq added some words of encouragement for Wilmore. “I wanted to just let him know, he has my full support. I’m going to be on you, brother, make sure you’re getting it done,” the Hall of Fame big man said.

Passenger, Marriott Bonvoy, Status Match, lawsuit, Flight Perks

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 30, 2025

Traveler Sues Marriott Bonvoy Over Delayed Status Match, Claims $6K In Lost Flight Perks

The lawsuit alleges the travel loyalty program failed to match an offer that would have awarded the passenger flight perks.

A Marriott Bonvoy member is suing the hotel chain for $6,472, alleging that it failed to match an offer that would have awarded him perks he could have used for the flights he took.

According to Paddle Your Own Kanoo, frequent flyer Sergey Firsov said Marriott Bonvoy failed to process a status match offer with the United Airlines MileagePlus program.

The lawsuit was filed in Northern California, where the plaintiff alleged that Marriott took five months to upgrade his status, resulting in the loss of perks, including free baggage and other status benefits he would have received. One reason Firsov said he chose the program was for its benefits.

He achieved Titanium Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, which means Firsov would automatically be matched to United’s MileagePlus Premier Silver status. With that bump, he gained one free checked bag in economy, group two boarding, and eligibility for a free day-of-departure upgrade.

The passenger stayed at Marriott Bonvoy properties for 75 nights by the end of 2024, thereby solidifying his Titanium Elite status, which should have prompted Marriott to process his status match to United Premier Silver.

Marriott Bonvoy assured him that the upgrade would occur within 10 days, but Firsov said that two weeks later there had been no change in status. After calling to remind the hotel of the promise, Firsov said he was informed that it was already underway but that 10 more days were required. After 10 days, there was still no change.

Firsov claimed that it took Marriott Bonvoy five months to process the status match, which made him eligible for the Premier Silver benefits at United as well as other airlines that are part of the Star Alliance.

Due to Marriott’s tardiness, during the five-month wait, Firsov said he incurred baggage fees that should have been waived under the program’s benefits. Instead, paid between $40 and $75 per flight. During that waiting period, he had taken 16 domestic and international flights.

Although United Airlines refunded some of the baggage costs, Firsov believes that was insufficient. Because Marriott failed to process the status match in a timely manner, he seeks a full refund of the $6,472 in airfare for United and other Star Alliance carriers. He is also requesting that he be awarded additional damages for emotional distress and wants his Premier Silver status to be extended for a year.

RELATED CONTENT: Frequent Flier Freebies?

Starbucks, Black-owned coffee shops, coffee

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 30, 2025

Starbucks Shutters 400 Locations—Black-Owned Coffee Shops Step In To Fill The Cup

Here are three Black-owned coffee shops to try out.

Be prepared to see fewer Starbucks cups in major U.S. cities as the coffee conglomerate is scheduled to close almost 400 locations across state lines, KY3 reported.

After years of rapid expansion, Starbucks is now confronting economic headwinds and criticism tied to its policies, prompting a shift in strategy. In New York City, coffee drinkers have already felt the impact, with at least 42 locations closing. Facing rising operating costs and intensified competition from independent and chain rivals, the company says its focus heading into 2026 will be on fewer, higher-performing stores and refreshed designs. In a statement, a Starbucks spokesperson said the company “regularly evaluates our portfolio of coffeehouses to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our customers.”

“Opening and closing stores is a standard part of our business, and we don’t have additional news in the U.S. or elsewhere to share,” read a statement from Starbucks.

New York City is not the only major city affected. The Seattle-based company shut down over 20 locations in Los Angeles, seven in San Francisco, five in Baltimore, and 15 in the Windy City, CNN reported.

In June 2025, the company had 18,734 locations across North America, but with the new plan, there will be roughly 18,300 locations. In a September 2025 letter to employees, CEO Brian Niccol, who was recruited from Chipotle to turn things around, said the company took a deep dive to identify locations that don’t promise financial growth or aren’t creating the physical environment expected by customers. “Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations,” Niccol wrote.

“This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers. Our coffeehouses are centers of the community, and closing any location is difficult,” he added.

Some of the competition Starbucks faces stems from Black-owned coffee shops popping up in cities as an alternative to the expensive white and green cups.

Sugar & Sip Coffee and Workshop in Charlotte, NC, is the perfect combination to get a good vibe, a cup of joe, and get some work done. Not to mention, its central Uptown location is perfect for stopping in on your way to the office or during a morning walk.

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Silverback Coffee of Rwanda, with locations in downtown Los Angeles and El Segundo, showcases coffee sourced and curated by African farmers. Made from naturally grown coffee cherries, its rich aroma offers a moment of calm—whether you’re stuck in traffic on the way to a meeting or strolling on the beach with your dog.

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Momentum Coffee in Chicago sets the tone of tranquility and peace just by walking in. Vibrant artwork welcomes connections between coffee lovers. Also used as a co-working space, Momentum has several locations across the area, including in the Loop, North Lawndale, and Englewood.

VP Music Group Partners With Food For The Poor To Accelerate Jamaica’s Post-Melissa Rebuilding Efforts

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 30, 2025

VP Music Group Partners With Food For The Poor To Accelerate Jamaica’s Post-Melissa Rebuilding Efforts

The collaboration centers on a newly launched donation portal designed to streamline the procurement of lumber, roofing supplies, cement, and construction tools.

In a decisive move to address the long-term housing crisis triggered by Hurricane Melissa, VP Music Group has announced a formal partnership with Food For The Poor to deliver essential building materials to Jamaica’s hardest-hit communities.

The collaboration centers on a newly launched donation portal designed to streamline the procurement of lumber, roofing supplies, cement, and construction tools. While initial humanitarian aid focused on immediate survival, this initiative shifts the focus toward permanent reconstruction for thousands of families still displaced by the storm’s devastation.

Food For The Poor, a veteran international relief organization, will manage distribution logistics, ensuring that hardware and building materials reach households in the island’s most vulnerable regions, specifically targeting parishes such as St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

“Our island home, Jamaica, is facing a challenging moment, with families left without homes, resources, and in some cases, hope,” said Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, co-founder of VP Records. “The need is real and urgent, and through our partnership with Food For The Poor, we are committed to helping families as they rebuild.”

The partnership is the latest pillar in a sustained relief campaign by the reggae and dancehall powerhouse. In the months following Hurricane Melissa, VP Music Group has facilitated humanitarian flights via Captain Barrington Irving’s Experience Aviation and lent its influence to high-profile fundraisers, including the “Jamaica Strong” benefit at New York’s UBS Arena and the “Stay Strong Jamaica” concert in Hollywood, Florida.

The label also previously channeled financial support through Sean Paul’s existing foundation partnership with Food For The Poor, which funded early-stage recovery. This new portal aims to bridge the gap between emergency charity and sustainable infrastructure. By focusing on raw materials and hardware, the organizers intend to empower local communities to restore stability and move beyond the cycle of displacement.

With over 120,000 homes damaged or destroyed across the island, the logistics of this partnership are critical. By leveraging Food For The Poor’s established distribution network, VP Music Group ensures that every dollar donated translates directly into the “hybrid” housing models now being deployed—structures reinforced with concrete to withstand future Category 5 systems. This collaborative effort represents a vital lifeline for the 1.6 million Jamaicans impacted by the strongest storm in the nation’s recorded history.

Individuals and organizations looking to support the rebuilding of Jamaican households can contribute directly through the official VP Music Group and Food For The Poor donation gateway. Of the $50,000 need, a little over $10k has been donated so far.

Kai Cenat, Streamer, live, twitch, mental health

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 30, 2025

Kai Cenat Says Streaming Hiatus Was To Prioritize Mental Health: ‘I Was Losing Touch Of Reality’

Cenat gets real about his mental health and break from streaming.

Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat is opening up further about his mental health journey, explaining his decision to take a break from streaming and addressing critics of his transparency.

After sharing a video on X for his 24th birthday on Dec. 16 about his struggles with mental health, describing it as “out of self-doubt and fright of pursuing goals that I really want to achieve”, Cenat followed up on Dec. 23 with a series of tweets responding to critics of his candid admission.

“A few days ago I decided to open up a little bit about what I’ve been thinking and it’s been so much love but when I seen the some of the negative feedback I received, I got to see a glimpse of why people don’t speak up about this more often,” Cenat tweeted.

I know I’ll get clowned more for this. A few days ago I decided to open up a little bit about what I’ve been thinking and it’s been so much love but when I seen the some of the negative feedback I received, I got to see a glimpse of why people don’t speak up about this more often
— Kai Cenat (@KaiCenat) December 23, 2025

The award-winning Twitch star explained his desire to use his platform to raise awareness on mental health and get “on a more personal level” with his fans and followers “about dealing with self doubt and living in fear,” he wrote.

“I think a person like me speaking about this would encourage other people to step up too so now let me explain how it all started,” he added.

Cenat explained that nonstop streaming to his more than 1 million subscribers was taking a toll on him and distancing him from his loved ones.

“As I was very consistent in streaming there were certain times I realized that I was losing touch of reality, I needed to take a step back and fully reset I started to realize I wasn’t even spending time with close friends and family behind the scenes as much as I wanted to,” the streamer wrote.

He went on to address those who are criticizing and mocking his decision to open up about his mental health

“I cant imagine the things that people are going through on a deeper level so for those people let me speak up a little LOUDER idc if people look at me as a joke,” he added.

His tweets followed a video message in which he first shared his struggles with mental health and his ambitions to grow further as a content creator.

“And the reason I’ve really been in my head is because I just wanted to do more,” Cenat said in his video message. “I’ve gained to realize that I’m a true creator and I’m very passionate about creating. And I have other goals and things that I just want to achieve and do more of.”

This took a lot for me to do…Thank you❤️ pic.twitter.com/cxYWzjCebp
— Kai Cenat (@KaiCenat) December 16, 2025

A Harlem, New York, native, Kai Cenat is known for his high-energy, comedic content on Twitch and YouTube. He rose to fame through live streams, pranks, reaction videos, and vlogs, frequently interacting with fans in real time. His work has earned him nominations and recognition in creator and streamer awards, solidifying his influence in digital entertainment.

Cenat’s prominence among Gen Z and younger audiences gives his current focus on mental health added impact, using his platform to raise awareness about an important issue for his peers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 30, 2025

New Law Bans License Plate Flippers In California

California is joining a growing number of states that are banning the use and sale of license plate flippers.

The crackdown on license plate flippers is gaining momentum, with California joining a growing list of states that are prohibiting the sale and use of the devices.

A license plate flipper is a manual, electric, or mechanical device installed on a vehicle that allows the operator to quickly obscure, conceal, or switch between two or more license plates, often with the push of a button or remote control

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 1085 will make it illegal to use or sell license plate flippers, devices that have long frustrated law enforcement, The Sun reported. Drivers caught using a license plate flipper could face fines up to $250, while anyone caught selling the device may be fined up to $1,000.

Although license plate flippers have been illegal to use since 2008, they remained widely available for purchase online and in stores like Amazon, making enforcement challenging. But that didn’t deter Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, D-San Francisco, from advancing the law, citing the significant risks these license plate-obscuring devices pose.

“They’re linked to vehicle thefts, robberies, and toll evasion – undermining public safety and costing the state millions in lost transportation revenue,” Stefani said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Stefani’s bill into law on Oct. 1, with the measure set to take effect at the start of the new year. With the bill’s passage, California is now one of five states to outlaw the devices, joining Florida, Illinois, Delaware, and New Jersey.

In Florida, using, selling, or possessing a license plate-obscuring device is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Illinois Sen. Steve Stadelman’s SB1883 seeks to make it explicitly illegal to use tape or flippers on any registration plate. Delaware’s HB26 would ban the devices, with first-time offenders facing 30–90 days in jail or $50–$200 fines, and repeat offenders facing up to six months or $300 fines. In New Jersey, A3751 aims to prevent toll evasion, banning the devices and increasing penalties; displaying a fictitious plate can result in up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.

Deion Sanders, contract, colorado, Braylon Edwards

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 30, 2025

Coach Prime Reunites With Childhood Protégé As Braylon Edwards Commits To Colorado

'Coach Prime was my childhood coach,' Edwards said.

NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is reuniting with a former player, not from Jackson State University, but from his Truth Youth League in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Braylon Edwards has committed to play for Coach Prime at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The incoming Buffalo player announced his decision to join the Colorado team for next season. He took direction as a 5-year-old boy learning the sport from his former, now future, football head coach. The safety even stated that he was with Coach Prime when Prime was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

I’M HOME 🏠 ‼️ https://t.co/dftfTNiEVK
— Braylon Edwards 4⭐️ (@BraylonEdward10) December 5, 2025

According to Sports Illustrated, Edwards played for Duncanville High School (Duncanville, Texas), widely regarded as one of the most dominant high school football programs in the country. He stands at 6 feet, 180 pounds, and is a three-time First-Team All-District defensive back. This past season, he had 64 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups while playing the corner and safety positions during his senior year. He is a finalist for the 2025 Whataburger Super Team.

“Coach Prime was my childhood coach… him and a few more on the staff. I started playing for him when I was five years old,” Edwards told BuffStampede.com. “I traveled the country playing ball with him. I also was with him in Canton when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. So it feels like a full reunion.”

A photo of the two from over a decade ago made its way to social media.

Coach prime and the buffs newest commit Braylon Edwards back in the truth days 🔥🔥🔥‼️ all these full circle moments are 🔥 pic.twitter.com/88W8a81fpW
— Dalvinthetruth (@dalvinthetruth) December 5, 2025

Edwards stated that he is versatile and can and will play any defensive position Coach Prime asks him to. He is slated to play safety.

“I’ll bring versatility and physicality,” Edwards said. “I can play all positions in the secondary, so I’ll do anything asked of me.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 30, 2025

Thousands Of Delays At Major Airports Impact U.S. Travelers Nationwide

Thousands of delays across major airports hubs impact US travelers nationwide.

Nearly 5,000 flight delays and hundreds of cancellations have left American travelers stranded at airports across the country.

On Dec. 29, U.S. airports reported 4,946 flight delays and 470 cancellations, with major hubs contributing heavily to the disruptions, Travel and Tour World reported. Chicago O’Hare International led with 623 delays and 65 cancellations, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International saw 316 delays and 130 cancellations.

Flight disruptions affected airports nationwide, including Dallas/Fort Worth Intl with 295 delays and 22 cancellations, JFK with 247 delays and 20 cancellations, LAX with 227 delays and 20 cancellations, and Miami Intl with 221 delays and 17 cancellations. Orlando Intl recorded 256 delays and 25 cancellations, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Intl 303 delays and 22 cancellations, Minneapolis–Saint Paul Intl 287 delays and 68 cancellations, Boston Logan 169 delays and 41 cancellations, LaGuardia 145 delays and 29 cancellations, and Detroit Metro 152 delays and 27 cancellations.

Delays dominated over cancellations at most airports, pointing to network congestion rather than widespread schedule shutdowns. Delta, American, JetBlue, and Spirit were hit hardest across multiple hubs. Delta faced numerous delays and cancellations at ATL, MSP, DTW, LGA, JFK, LAX, BOS, MCO, FLL, and MIA. American had notable delays at MIA (111), DFW (190), LAX (33), and JFK (19). JetBlue saw delays at JFK (112), BOS (65), FLL (78), and MCO (33), while Spirit experienced disruptions at FLL (74), MCO (35), and ORD (112 via SkyWest/Spirit). Other major carriers, including United, Southwest, and Alaska, were affected mostly by delays rather than cancellations.

Due to the delays, travelers should anticipate longer gate holds and taxi-out times, especially at major hubs, along with a higher risk of missed connections from cascading delays. Rebooking and standby options may be limited, particularly at busy airports. Short-haul and domestic routes are also experiencing disruptions.

Passengers are advised to monitor airline apps and airport monitors closely for real-time updates.

NFL, Laveranues Coles, Jacksonville Police Officer

by Mary Spiller

December 29, 2025

From NFL Stardom To Street Patrol: Laveranues Coles Finds New Purpose As Jacksonville Police Officer

Coles spent nearly a decade outrunning defenders in the NFL.

Laveranues Coles spent nearly a decade outrunning defenders in the NFL. Today, he walks parking lots and patrols city streets in Jacksonville, Florida, wearing a police uniform — a role he says finally gives his life a sense of direction he said he once lacked. In an interview with ESPN, Coles opened up about his journey.

Coles, now in his late 40s, recently stood outside a Target in Jacksonville when an elderly shopper approached him. Unaware of his past as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers in the early 2000s, she saw only a police officer in tactical gear. “I feel safe with you here,” she told him. The comment left a lasting impression. “Meant the world to me,” Coles said, calling it the most rewarding moment of his journey into law enforcement.

Coles’ decision to join the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has puzzled many who know him. Over 10 NFL seasons — including seven with the New York Jets — he earned roughly $42 million. He has said money played no role in his career change, noting that his police salary is a fraction of his playing income. “This isn’t a money thing,” he said.

Instead, Coles said he was searching for purpose. Raised in Jacksonville, he became a local star at Ribault High School before playing at Florida State under legendary coach Bobby Bowden. “I want people to understand that no matter what stage you’re in, it’s never too late to get up and do something,” he said.

After retiring from football in 2009, Coles explored several ventures, including business investments, community programs, and time spent with his children. He eventually earned an online degree in criminology, which reignited an interest in policing. Encouraged by friends in the sheriff’s department, he enrolled in the academy at age 47.

The move sparked mixed reactions. Some praised his commitment to service, while others worried about his safety or questioned the optics. “It’s not something that America loves, like football,” Coles said. “People’s opinions, especially the people that are closest to me, really matter.”

Former Jets teammate Wayne Chrebet supported him without hesitation. “After everything he’s done in his life, to do this in his late 40s, I was like, ‘This is incredible,’” Chrebet said.

Coles’ life has long intersected with the justice system — on both sides. As a college athlete, he faced arrests that derailed his standing at Florida State and damaged his draft stock. Looking back, he now views those moments differently. “Really, being honest, it was the best thing that happened to me,” he said.

Few knew at the time that Coles was also carrying trauma from childhood sexual abuse at the hands of his stepfather, who later served prison time. Coles has said a police officer helped him feel safe when he finally disclosed the abuse — an experience that shaped his view of law enforcement. “Now,” he said, smiling, “I’m actually the one pulling up to the scene trying to make things better.”

The academy tested him physically and mentally. Despite multiple hip surgeries and lingering injuries from football, Coles completed hundreds of hours of mandatory training. There were moments he considered quitting, but he pushed forward. “Dad never quits anything,” he recalled his son once saying.

Now assigned to Jacksonville’s Riverside district, Coles responds to crashes, domestic disputes, and thefts. He has also encountered moments that challenge his emotions, including issuing a citation to an elderly man caught stealing groceries. “My heart felt for him,” Coles said. “I know he made a bad decision, but a bad decision shouldn’t define your life.”

Coles says his past allows him to connect with people in crisis. “Anything about his past, to be on the other side of that, it’s kind of like a full-circle thing,” Chrebet said.

For Coles, the uniform represents something football never could. “It gives me a sense of purpose,” he said. “Whether I’m here or not, police are patrolling the streets. I just want to do my part.”