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Featured

ICE Raids in Chicago Spark Outrage as Residents Resist Federal Agents

Ongoing Tension Between ICE and Chicago Communities Federal immigration agents continue to face fierce resistance in Chicago as residents protest what they call aggressive and unjust enforcement tactics. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the city has been a focal point for federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants. Community members, however, have made it clear they will not tolerate what they describe as intimidation and overreach by federal authorities. Tear Gas Used in Albany Park According to the Chicago Sun-Times, on Sunday federal agents deployed tear gas in the Albany Park neighborhood after detaining a man. Witnesses say onlookers tried to intervene, leading to a chaotic and violent scene. At around 12:30 p.m., dozens of residents gathered, shouting “traitor” and “Nazi” as ICE agents detained a man. Attorney Samay Gheewala, a local resident, said he tried to verify whether the agents had a warrant but was shoved and restrained. “They completely stonewalled me,” Gheewala said. “They refused to identify themselves.” Witnesses described federal agents pushing residents to the ground. Gheewala was injured but declined medical attention. Another resident said he joined the confrontation after seeing agents “bearing down on a man.” Comparing the actions to authoritarian regimes, he stated, “This is Nazi sh*t. When the state is failing, this is what they do.” Federal Court Restrictions Ignored A federal judge had previously issued a temporary restraining order requiring agents to issue at least two warnings before using riot control weapons like tear gas or pepper spray. However, witnesses say no such warnings were given — and none can be heard in videos circulating online. This order was just one of several recent judicial restrictions on the Trump administration, including limits on warrantless arrests and the deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities such as Portland and Chicago. Logan Square Incident Near a School Earlier this month, another ICE operation in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood led to tear gas being deployed near an elementary school. Students reportedly ran for safety as teachers and staff formed a human barrier between the children and federal officers. Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the action: “The escalation of ICE raids does nothing to keep our young people safe; it makes them afraid and disrupts their learning,” Johnson said at a press conference. Federal Response to Community Outrage In a statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the agents, claiming they were impeded by protesters during a “targeted immigration enforcement operation.” She said officers used tear gas and pepper balls only after protesters refused to disperse. McLaughlin added that agents face “a surge in assaults, including sniper attacks and cars being used as weapons.” However, no concrete evidence has been provided to support those claims. Community Organizers and Officials Take Action In response to the repeated ICE raids, local volunteers—self-described as “guardian angels”—are now patrolling Chicago schools with whistles and know-your-rights pamphlets. Their mission: to protect children and families from surprise enforcement actions. At the Albany Park protest, community leaders and elected officials joined residents in standing up to ICE agents. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) and State Sen. Graciela Guzmán led rapid response groups, rushing to locations where ICE vehicles were spotted. While they managed to prevent some detentions, at least one person was reportedly taken by agents. “This is part of the chaos they like to bring to our communities,” Guzmán said. “Somebody was still kidnapped from our neighborhood today.” Chicago Pushes Back Against Federal Overreach Despite federal attempts to increase enforcement, Chicago’s residents and officials continue to resist what they see as politically motivated intimidation. As one protester put it: “We chased federal agents out of Albany Park today.” The city’s defiance has become a symbol of community resilience and local solidarity in the face of federal aggression.  

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News

Arthur Blank Foundation Donates $50M To HBCUs In Atlanta

Arthur Blank’s latest move is nothing short of monumental. Through the Arthur Blank Foundation, he has pledged $50 million over the next 10 years to support four of Atlanta’s most storied HBCUs (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College) with “gap scholarships” for students who are nearing graduation but have exhausted other financial aid. The idea is to lift the burden from students who are academically qualified but financially stuck, helping nearly 10,000 learners complete their degrees. To understand the depth of this move, it is helpful to examine the Arthur Blank Foundation itself. Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, has committed to giving away more than half of his wealth and has already funneled over $1.5 billion into causes across education, the arts, health, and infrastructure. In Georgia, his foundation has already supported HBCUs through previous gifts, including $10 million directed to Spelman for an innovation lab and $6 million to upgrade athletic facilities at various campuses. In this context, the new $50 million pledge represents the single most significant gift to HBCUs made by the Arthur Blank Foundation to date. HBCUs hold a legacy that is both rich and resilient. For over a century, they have been institutions of opportunity, educating generations, cultivating leadership, fueling movements, and evolving despite systemic underfunding and external barriers. Many of their students come from low-income households, first-generation college families, or areas with fewer resources. A large part of the attrition (students dropping out before finishing) is due not to capability, but to gaps in funding near the finish line when all other forms of aid have run out. The new scholarship pledge is precisely calibrated to address that “last mile” struggle. So how might this incoming money be used in practice? Gap scholarships would enable students to focus full-time on completing their coursework, rather than juggling extra jobs or accumulating debt. Funds could underwrite costs such as fees, textbooks, or living expenses that are often overlooked. Beyond direct student support, campuses might allocate portions towards administrative capacity to better manage retention, counseling and advising services, bridge programs, or improved infrastructure because making graduation easier is about more than covering tuition. When more students cross the finish line, alumni networks strengthen, institutional prestige grows, enrollment stabilizes, and the long-term cycle of reinvestment gains momentum. This gift is more than charity. It’s a strategic reinvestment in legacy, promise, and future leaders. It also emphasizes a truth long known: when HBCUs succeed, communities succeed. Shout out to Arthur Blank for making a difference!  

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Artist Spotlight

Avail Hollywood: Rising Southern Soul Star You Need to Know

https://youtu.be/knk2v4Wrujg?si=SLYiCRZpb688iqZy Avail Hollywood is a name steadily gaining traction in the Southern Soul and R&B scenes. Born Christopher Estell in Texarkana, Texas, he blends raw emotion, soulful vocals, and gritty storytelling to craft songs that resonate deeply with fans of grown-folk music. In this post, we’ll walk through his background, signature sound, discography, and what makes him a standout in Southern Soul. Background & Early Life Christopher Estell was born on July 24, 1983, in Texarkana, Texas. Last.fm+1 He comes from a musical family: his father, Collins Estell Sr., was a musician and guitarist, and his sisters also sang gospel. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Avail’s first musical gigs were in gospel: he served as a drummer for the group Shades of Ebony. soulbluesmusic.com+1 His stage name “Avail Hollywood” was inspired by a poster he once saw that read “Elvis Presley, Now Available in Hollywood.” soulbluesmusic.com+1 Musical Style & Signature Themes Avail Hollywood’s music is steeped in the Southern Soul tradition, but he brings his own flavor through several recurring elements: Emotional vulnerability: Many of his songs tackle pain, heartbreak, and personal struggle — especially “drinking” or “wasted” themes. Southern Soul RNB+3soulbluesmusic.com+3ReverbNation+3 Grown-folk appeal: His voice and subject matter are often tailored to adult relationships, maturity, and real-life challenges. N I C C project promotion+1 Blend of mid-tempo and slow ballads: He navigates between club-ready tracks and heart-wrenching ballads. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Instrumentation & production: He frequently uses horns, guitar riffs, soulful backing tracks, and polished production to frame his vocals. Southern Soul RNB+2soulbluesmusic.com+2 Discography & Key Albums Here are some of Avail Hollywood’s notable releases: Year Album Standout Tracks / Notes 2009 The Young Gunn Of Southern Soul “Don’t Leave Me,” “Show Me What U Working With” soulbluesmusic.com 2011 Drinking Again Title track helped cement his identity in the circuit soulbluesmusic.com+1 2013 Country Road Included “Club in the Woods” and “Halle Berry” soulbluesmusic.com 2014 Rehab Features “Rehab Ain’t Working,” “Kiss My Southern Soul” soulbluesmusic.com 2015 Wasted Confessions Explores relational conflict & honesty soulbluesmusic.com 2016 Old Skool Kinda Girl “Twenty Five and Up” was a fan favorite soulbluesmusic.com 2017 Good Whiskey Title track “Good Whiskey,” several singles charted soulbluesmusic.com+1 2019 Still King Includes “Girl You Bad,” “Unbelievable Booty” soulbluesmusic.com+2Southern Soul RNB+2 2020 Black Locomotive Tracks like “Box Top Chevy,” “Love Train” soulbluesmusic.com+2Southern Soul RNB+2 2021 Mississippi River Explores love, faith, and personal growth soulbluesmusic.com+1 2022 Love, Lies, Loyalty Continues his themes, showcasing maturity Southern Soul RNB 2024 King of Grown Folks Music His latest, reinforcing his “grown-folks” positioning soulbluesmusic.com+2N I C C project promotion+2 He maintains his own label, NLightn Records, and has released much of his work independently. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Notable Songs & Chart Impact “Girl You Bad” is one of his more popular singles and is often cited for its appealing hook and production. Southern Soul RNB+1 “I Had To Lie” charted in Daddy B. Nice’s Top 10 for September 2022. Southern Soul RNB His albums have made appearances on Southern Soul & R&B charts, gaining stronger recognition over time. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Challenges & Artistic Growth Over the years, Avail Hollywood has faced the tension between staying true to his core Southern Soul sound and expanding into newer territory. Critics and fans have noted: He briefly left the Southern Soul circuit in 2016 to explore songwriting opportunities in Nashville. Southern Soul RNB+1 But he returned and recommitted to building his catalog and presence among Southern Soul fans. Southern Soul RNB+2soulbluesmusic.com+2 His recent albums display more range and balance — combining love songs, reflective tracks, and upbeat numbers without losing emotional depth. Southern Soul RNB+1 Why Avail Hollywood Matters in Southern Soul Authentic voice & relatability — His willingness to be raw about mistakes, love, and personal struggles sets him apart. Longevity & consistency — Over a decade of releasing albums shows commitment and growth. Independent success — He’s built much of his career through self-reliance rather than big label backing. Blending traditions & modern sounds — While rooted in Southern Soul, he experiments with production and arrangement to stay fresh.

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Featured

John Legend-arily Roasts Donald Trump Over His Thirst To Win Nobel Peace Prize

Donald Trump was THIRSTY to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Everyone with the good sense that God gave ‘em knew good and damn well that there was no chance in hell that it would ever happen. However, that didn’t stop some of MAGAs most obsequious cheek-smoochers to campaign on his behalf and whine like school children when the prestigious awards was given to a more worthy honoree. Last night, Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, composer John Legend trolled the Führer-in-chief by offering him some “advice” on how to become worthy and make himself more eligible for consideration for Alfred Nobel’s coveted award. Via DailyMail: “Stop declaring war on the American people, stop sending the military intro our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats.” “He’d have to stop all this authoritarian dictator sh*t, all the fascist sh*t, all the inhumane sh*t he’s been trying to do,’ Legend added.” Apparently, conservatives, who aren’t always that sharpest pencils in the box, aren’t able to detect sarcasm. All across social media, right-wingers are framing Legend’s comments as “support’ for the Orange Man. Again, these are people who think that Donald Trump is a devout Christian and loves the Lord. Only the slowest of the slow and the cultist of the cults could come to that conclusion. Despite Legend’s sarcasm, he did give Trump earnest praise for his efforts to end the genocide in Gaza by brokering an alleged “peace deal” between the two sides according to Daily Mail. ‘We all want to see peace in Gaza, in the West Bank,’ he declared in the video. ‘And President Trump has been instrumental in bringing about this new peace deal.’ And he added, ‘Let’s all pray that this deal is actually lasting, that it’s long-term. The people of Gaza have had their lives and their communities destroyed for the past two years.’ Many are inclined to believe that Trump’s “work” is in vain because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue to bomb Gaza until his cruelty has been satisfied. We shall see. The post Sure, Jan: John Legend-arily Roasts Donald Trump Over His Thirst To Win Nobel Peace Prize appeared first on Bossip.

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Featured

NewsOne And Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School Of Communications Launch Groundbreaking Media Partnership

Now, just as it has been during all consequential periods throughout this nation’s history, it is critical that Black journalists committed to excavating intersectional truths and holding them up to the light are supported and platformed. But that isn’t what is happening in mainstream media, nor has it ever fully been. Instead, our voices are suppressed, distorted, and criminalized, while Artificial Intelligence dominates the media landscape and misinformation and disinformation continue to be unleashed. Let there be no mistake: The United States of America, as a white settler colonial project rooted in land theft, slavery, genocide, and rape, is unraveling at the seams. And those seams, sewn with injustice and interwoven with hate, are being stretched in ways that are unsustainable. Some people may find it comforting to blame all of this on the authoritarian, fascist regime currently occupying the White House, as well as a growing number of cities across the country occupied by Donald Trump’s militarized forces; but we did not arrive here by happenstance, nor as the result of one presidential election. Black people and other targeted communities are not shocked by these travesties even as we brace against the brazenness of the malevolent political actors enforcing them. Why? Because this nation’s past is its prologue. How, then, does one curate an unflinching truth about a country that has lied about the depth and quality of its character since its inception? As I’ve said previously, you begin by rooting the work in the tradition of the Black journalists who have come before, such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who taught us through her work at the Memphis Free Speech and beyond, to be both righteous and rigorous. You think of the Freedom’s Journal and the Woman’s Era, of the Chicago Defender and the New York Amsterdam News, of the Los Angeles Sentinel and Negro World. You think of all the Black journalists who have risked their lives to tell the truth. “Having lost my paper, had a price put on my life, and been made an exile from home for hinting at the truth, I felt I owed it to myself and to my race to tell the whole truth.” — Ida B. Wells-Barnett In service to that mission, I have long nurtured a vision of paving the way for young, Black journalists—the truth-tellers and cultural curators of our time—just as others have paved the way for me. Today, I am proud to announce the launch of the Bison ONE Newsroom, NewsOne’s exclusive partnership with student journalists under the tutelage of renowned, award-winning journalist, author, and professor Dr. Stacey Patton at Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications, named for the Founder & Chairperson of Urban One, NewsOne’s parent company and the largest Black-owned media company in the United States. Expanding on our iONE Digital NewsOne x Bison 2024 Election coverage, the Bison ONE Newsroom is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind partnership between a national media corporation and an HBCU journalism program—a partnership that honors the power of HBCUs as incubators of cultural and political transformation. Blending in-depth journalism, real-time coverage, and heartfelt storytelling, this multi-media experience will serve as a pioneering blueprint for how narratives that attempt to obscure the humanity of Black people can be disrupted when Black institutions stand together and create something innovative, something lasting, something that is ours. Join us in celebrating and supporting these student leaders as they join the sacred tradition of Black journalism. Absorb their words and videos; respect their perspectives; listen to their hearts. Though times are perilous, and the road ahead treacherous, we have always had each other. We may face hate, but we still love. We may encounter lies, but our truths are unbreakable. Those in power may attempt to intimidate us into silence, but they can never imprison our thoughts, nor incarcerate our voices—voices that echo generations of freedom fighters who have come before and breathe life into all those who will come after. Because this is what legacy looks like—what resistance, revolution, and audacious, Black brilliance looks like. As our collective futures unfold, NewsOne is honored to pass the mic to emerging journalists who will shape the ways in which history will remember this urgent moment. We are the authors of our own stories. Let it be written. In solidarity, Kirsten West Savali, Vice President of Content, iONE Digital  

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Featured

Cardi Says She’s Pressing Pause On BIA Beef Amid Rapper’s Album Release

The gloves may be off, but the social media posts are on pause between Cardi B and BIA—for now, at least. “I’m not that bad person that people think I am,” said benevolent Belcalis. Source: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/ Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV / Getty As previously reported, the conflict between Cardi B and BIA originated when it seemed like the entire industry was beefing. It heated up after BIA released tracks that seemed to take shots at Cardi, who eventually clapped back with the diss track “Pretty & Petty,” on Am I the Drama? The mother of (almost) four didn’t hold back, hitting BIA with lines about everything from her looks and body to her industry relevance, even referring to her as “diarrhea BIA.” The tension was heightened when BIA was promoting her own latest project, Bianca, which dropped on Friday, October 10. Duriing a Hot 97 interview, BIA attempted to wave the white flag, denying that her debut album was dedicated to coming for Cardi. While she threw some subtle shade at Cardi’s lyrics, she stated that continuing the beef with an expecting mother was beneath her. “I can go get on your a** again, but it’s like, girl, enjoy your pregnancy. My mother didn’t raise me to be dragging a pregnant lady. That’s out,” BIA told Nessa. Cardi B And BIA: The ‘Bully’ And The Backstabbing Claims BIA’s attempt at ending the feud by stating “dragging a pregnant lady” quickly drew a fierce response from Cardi. As BOSSIP reported, Cardi took to X (formerly Twitter) Spaces to call BIA a “p***y” for conveniently moving on from the beef now that she’s winning. Cardi also accused BIA of sabotage, claiming BIA had thrown accusations about Cardi cheating on her estranged husband, Offset, with a gang member while Cardi was “five months pregnant with Blossom last year.” Cardi stated that the producer BIA allegedly spoke to confirmed the rumor, but Cardi dismissed it as completely false, stating that type of “hood n***a” wasn’t her type. Now, even with these backstabbing claims fresh in the air, Cardi is taking the “high road”—but only for the moment. During a recent livestream, Cardi confirmed that she had video ready for “Pretty & Petty,” but chose not to release it on the day BIA’s Bianca album dropped. She explained that she recognized the stress of releasing an album and didn’t want to add to it. “I know how stressful it is to put an album out and I know how fucked up you be in the mind when you put an album out and sh*t, so I feel like if I do a video to ‘Pretty & Petty as F***’ this week or today, I feel like I would be bullying,” Cardi told fans. Cardi then added a reason for her restraint, “I don’t wanna feel like a bully. Because when I bully, then God takes from me,” she said. She clarified that if BIA wasn’t actively “messing” with her and hadn’t mentioned her in her album, she wouldn’t do the video at all. However, she confirmed that she plans to release the video soon, saying, “Probably next week, I’ll do a video for ‘Pretty & Petty as F***.’ I’mma be nice to you because it’s your album day. I don’t wanna add to your stress. I’m not that bad person that people think I am.” The post Benevolent Belcalis: Cardi Says She’s Pressing Pause On BIA Beef Amid Rapper’s Album Release–‘I Feel Like I Would Be Bullying’ appeared first on Bossip.

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Megan Thee Stallion Named Mental Health Champion of the Year by The Trevor Project

Megan Thee Stallion just added another major honor to her growing list of achievements. The Grammy Award–winning rapper has been named Mental Health Champion of the Year by The Trevor Project, recognizing her continued advocacy for mental health awareness, particularly among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Honoring Mental Health Advocacy According to The Hollywood Reporter, the annual award celebrates public figures who use their platforms to challenge stigma and promote conversations about mental well-being. Megan now joins an inspiring list of past honorees, including Dua Lipa, Dylan Mulvaney, Janelle Monáe, and Lil Nas X. Building Resources and Safe Spaces Through her Pete & Thomas Foundation, named after her late parents, Megan continues to support initiatives that focus on education, housing, health, and wellness for underserved communities. In 2022, she launched BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com, a free online resource connecting visitors to therapy directories, crisis hotlines, and mental health organizations—including The Trevor Project. Leading National Mental Health Campaigns Megan’s advocacy extends far beyond her music. She partnered with the California Department of Public Health for its “Never a Bother” suicide prevention campaign and joined the Ad Council’s “Seize the Awkward” initiative to encourage open dialogue about mental health. She’s also headlined Los Angeles Pride and spoken out against homophobia within the music industry. Megan’s Message of Love and Empathy In her acceptance statement, Megan emphasized her mission to use her platform for change: “My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations,” she said. “Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy. I’m grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways.” The Trevor Project’s Praise The Trevor Project’s CEO, Jaymes Black, praised Megan as “an extraordinary role model,” especially for Black LGBTQ+ youth. “Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model,” Black said. “Megan’s activism doesn’t just stop at words; she builds real, tangible resources for vulnerable communities that are too often overlooked. As a queer Black person, I wish I had someone like Megan to look up to when I was growing up.” A Well-Deserved Recognition Megan Thee Stallion becomes the fifth honoree to receive The Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year Award. Her continued commitment to advocacy, community empowerment, and mental health awareness cements her legacy not just as a performer, but as a true champion for change. Congrats, Hottie Queen! 💅🏽    

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Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Battle: Judge Blocks Kevin Hunter’s Lawsuit

The ongoing legal drama around Wendy Williams’ guardianship has taken another sharp turn. A federal judge has dismissed her ex-husband Kevin Hunter’s attempt to challenge her guardianship—blocking him from representing her in court. Judge Denies Kevin Hunter’s Federal Challenge According to The JasmineBRAND, Hunter filed a federal lawsuit in June claiming Wendy was being “abused, neglected, and defrauded” under the guardianship of Sabrina Morrissey. He sought to act as a “next friend”—a party allowed to represent someone unable to assert their own rights. His filing demanded: A jury trial $250 million in damages Accountability from 30+ defendants, including Wendy’s guardian and the presiding judge But the court rejected his petition, ruling that Hunter cannot legally act on Wendy’s behalf. The judge granted him permission to file an amended suit, but only under his own name. This decision emphasizes the courts’ reluctance to give outsiders automatic standing in guardianship cases. How Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Began Wendy Williams’ financial and personal control was placed under guardianship in 2022 after Wells Fargo froze her accounts, citing concerns about “undue influence and financial exploitation.” She was later diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023, but she has consistently denied being mentally impaired. “I am not cognitively impaired,” Wendy declared in a January 2025 interview on The Breakfast Club.“But I feel like I am in prison.” “I Feel Like I’m in Prison”: Inside Wendy’s Daily Life Wendy described her current living conditions as a “luxury prison.” She spends nearly all her time indoors, unable to leave or see family. “I keep the door closed. I watch TV. I listen to the radio. I watch the window. I sit here, and my life goes by.” “They won’t allow you to leave or have visitors,” she added. Her niece Alex has also referred to the facility as overly restrictive, noting that Wendy has lost much of her personal freedom. Wendy Williams’ Rare Public Appearances Since her guardianship began, Wendy has appeared in public only a handful of times. But in March 2025, she was spotted dining out and looking healthy. In a brief statement to Page Six, Wendy said: “I am fabulous. I’m better than good. I am very much alive. I deserve freedom, darling.” What’s Next for Kevin Hunter? With the judge’s dismissal, Kevin Hunter must rethink his legal approach. He can refile his lawsuit—but only as his own action, not as Wendy’s representative. This move distances Wendy from his claims, signaling the court’s intent to protect her autonomy within the guardianship system. Still, the case raises a crucial question:Will Wendy Williams ever regain control of her own life and finances?

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News

Racism Lawsuit Hits Kansas City Streetcar Project

The Kansas City Streetcar extension project has come under intense scrutiny following a federal racial discrimination lawsuit filed by six Black and Hispanic workers. The workers allege they endured a culture of racial hostility and harassment — including slurs, threats, and intimidation — allegedly fostered by a foreman with ties to the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group. The lawsuit, initially filed in Jackson County Circuit Court and later moved to U.S. District Court in Kansas City, claims a pattern of racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation across the project’s job sites. The Plaintiffs and Defendants According to The Kansas City Star, the plaintiffs — Javier Buendia, Jonas Buendia, Oliver Curry, Carl Hunt, Joseph Martin, and Charles Watkins — accuse several contractors and unions of enabling or ignoring racist behavior. The defendants include: Herzog Contracting Corporation Stacey and Witbeck KC Streetcar Constructors (a joint venture of the two firms) International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 101 Heavy Construction Laborers Local No. 663 Additionally, three individuals — Bryce Shields, Josh Ayres, and Chris Greenwood — are named as defendants. Claims of Racist Abuse and Harassment The lawsuit alleges that the six men faced daily and weekly racial harassment, including slurs, threats, and violence. Lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote that the workers were “at the mercy of the terroristic whims of whomever chose to target them.” The plaintiffs claim that company management and union leaders failed to intervene or enforce anti-harassment policies. The suit seeks damages for emotional distress and workplace discrimination. A Foreman’s Proud Boys Connection According to the lawsuit, at least one foreman involved in the project was allegedly a member of the Proud Boys, a white nationalist group known for violent political extremism. It remains unclear which of the named defendants has that affiliation. The Proud Boys, labeled a terrorist organization in several countries, gained national attention after former President Donald Trump told them to “stand back and stand by” during a 2020 debate. Disturbing Incidents Reported by Workers The lawsuit outlines numerous racist incidents, including racial slurs, threats of lynching, and physical assaults: One foreman allegedly referred to Black workers as “monkeys” and said, “These monkeys I have on my crew ‘bout to drive me crazy.” Oliver Curry, one of the plaintiffs, reported that a white co-worker threatened to “find a tree to put it in,” a comment Curry interpreted as a lynching threat. Curry also claims that when a colleague called him the N-word repeatedly, the Proud Boys–affiliated foreman witnessed the incident but took no action. Another supervisor allegedly remarked that Black men “should end up in a noose.” In addition, the plaintiffs claim Black employees were falsely accused of theft, physically assaulted, and threatened with further violence by white co-workers. Violent Assault Allegations In one 2023 incident described in the suit, white workers allegedly attacked a Black man suspected of breaking into a worksite. The assailants allegedly tied him up, duct-taped his mouth, and beat him, with one shouting, “Back where I’m from, we lynch people like you.” Another allegedly offered to drag the man with his truck. These disturbing details, if true, paint a picture of a deeply hostile and unsafe work environment. Management’s Alleged Cover-Up Despite holding a meeting in November 2023 to discuss racism and harassment complaints, attorneys claim project management failed to discipline any accused employees. Instead, they allege that management covered up records of harassment. According to the lawsuit: “The change in policy and the expungement of employee records indicates an attempt to clear the record of any evidence of racial or sexual harassment.” Attorneys argue that this cover-up demonstrates company knowledge of the racial hostility and a refusal to act. Broader Context: Racism in Construction Workplaces This lawsuit sheds light on a longstanding issue in the construction industry — the prevalence of racial discrimination on job sites. Black and Hispanic workers have long reported being subjected to racist remarks, exclusion, and harassment in predominantly white labor environments. As the case progresses, the Kansas City Streetcar extension — once a symbol of local progress — is now facing questions about accountability, workplace culture, and oversight. Conclusion The allegations against the Kansas City Streetcar project and its contractors represent more than just a legal dispute — they highlight deep racial divisions that continue to plague American workplaces. For the plaintiffs, their case is not only about justice but also about changing a culture of racism and silence. Good luck to the plaintiffs — their fight is one that resonates far beyond Missouri.

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News

A Timeline Of Donald Trump And Letitia James’ Heated Court Battles

Former President Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James have been locked in a series of fierce legal showdowns for years. Their ongoing feud—rooted in investigations, lawsuits, and accusations of political retribution—reached a new level on October 9, 2025, when federal prosecutors indicted Letitia James on charges of fraud and false statements. Federal Indictment of Letitia James According to The New York Times, the indictment, filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges that James misrepresented her intent to use a Norfolk, Virginia home as a secondary residence. Prosecutors claim she actually intended to rent it as an investment property, allegedly securing a $19,000 financial advantage through favorable mortgage terms. The indictment came just weeks after former FBI Director James Comey faced charges under similar circumstances, intensifying fears about Trump’s influence over the justice system and what critics call a pattern of political retribution. James, however, denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges “baseless” and politically motivated. “This is nothing more than the president’s weaponization of our justice system,” James said in a statement. “He’s forcing federal agencies to act as his personal enforcers because I held him accountable as New York’s Attorney General.” Trump vs. Letitia James: A Legal History The Trump–James rivalry has unfolded through several major lawsuits and court rulings. Here’s a look at their legal timeline. November 2019: The Trump Foundation Case In June 2018, Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, alleging that Trump and his children misused charitable funds for personal and political gain. The lawsuit claimed that Trump diverted Foundation money to support his 2016 presidential campaign, including a $2.8 million fundraiser disguised as a charitable event. In 2019, the case ended in a settlement requiring Trump to admit to misusing funds and placing restrictions on future charity activities. His children—Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump—were ordered to complete nonprofit governance training, and the Foundation was officially dissolved. December 2021: Trump Sues Letitia James Before James could file her landmark civil fraud case, Donald Trump preemptively sued Letitia James, accusing her of political bias and violating due process. Trump’s lawsuit sought to block her investigation into his business practices. He claimed that James’s probe into the Trump Organization’s asset valuations was unconstitutional and politically motivated. Court documents highlighted James’s public criticism of Trump and her 2018 campaign statements about “having [her] eyes on Trump Tower.” The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2022 by a federal judge, allowing James’s investigation to proceed. September 2022: The Civil Fraud Lawsuit In 2022, James filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump, three of his adult children, and top Trump Organization executives. The lawsuit alleged a decade-long scheme to inflate asset values in order to secure loans, reduce taxes, and mislead insurers—a scheme totaling $250 million in fraud. James sought to ban the Trumps from executive positions in New York-based companies and impose heavy financial penalties. The lawsuit became one of the most consequential legal challenges of Trump’s career. February 2024: The Landmark Judgment In 2024, Letitia James secured a major victory when a New York court ruled against Trump, ordering him, his companies, and his sons to pay over $450 million in penalties. The ruling also barred Trump from holding executive roles or seeking loans from New York banks for three years. This decision marked a significant legal and political blow to the former president. August 2025: The Appeals Court Reversal In August 2025, a New York appellate court overturned the civil fraud judgment, waiving the $450 million fine but upholding restrictions preventing Trump and his sons from leading companies in New York. The five-judge panel described the original penalty as “excessive” but agreed that some level of accountability was appropriate. April 2025: James Defends Her Record Earlier in April 2025, Letitia James highlighted her office’s ongoing efforts to challenge Trump administration policies she described as “dangerous and illegal.” She reported joining 15 lawsuits and submitting 22 amicus briefs alongside other Democratic attorneys general, addressing issues like citizenship rights, worker protections, and voting access. “We stopped some of their most unconstitutional policies dead in their tracks,” James said. “If this administration keeps bulldozing the Constitution, they’ll find all of us standing in the way.” Conclusion: An Ongoing Legal Feud The conflict between Donald Trump and Letitia James continues to shape national headlines. What began as a series of lawsuits has evolved into a full-blown political and legal war—testing the limits of American democracy, judicial independence, and political accountability.  

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