Uganda’s communications regulator has given Starlink a provisional license to operate in the country, as reported by Techpoint. The license was granted to Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, but Airtel Uganda had previously started testing Starlink’s direct-to-cell (D2C) LEO satellite service. Starlink operating in Uganda Starlink could improve connectivity in locations where terrestrial network infrastructure is limited, as the direct-to-call l technology allows standard mobile handsets to connect directly to satellites without specialized equipment. Airtel Uganda’s testing of the D2C service underscores the growing interest among established telecom operators in
South Africa’s Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, is planning to introduce legal changes to the country’s Electronic Communications Act to allow Starlink to operate in the country, according to Techpoint. Starlink was blocked from operating in South Africa due to its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules. South Africa created the BEE laws to address racial inequalities stemming from apartheid. The policy is supported by the African National Congress Party (ANC), a political party in South Africa known for its opposition against apartheid. Changes to the Electronic Communications
The word “Black” has been erased from a set of bills aimed at addressing the Black maternal health crisis, according to The 19th. The Momnibus Act, which was filed in March, was called the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2023, and was previously known as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020. Changes to the word ‘Black’ in the bill References to the word “Black” in the bill have changed over time. In 2020, the text included numerous references to Black women. These were
PayPal and the Department of Justice have agreed to a settlement concerning the company’s 2020 DEI initiative, which invested in Black and minority businesses. PayPal is required to launch a new Small Business Initiative that excludes characteristics such as race, according to a press release. “This Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s vow to root out illegal DEI from every corner of corporate America,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. PayPal’s settlement with the Department of Justice In 2020, PayPal announced the discriminatory Economic Opportunity Fund, which provided $530
Kevin Hart has been absent from his company, Hartbreak, for weeks, leaving employees worried after layoffs, according to Bloomberg. Hart has also changed his phone number since the layoffs that eliminated almost 25% of his workforce. Layoffs at Hartbeat Studios In January 2025, Hart became the CEO of his entertainment company, Hartbeat Productions. Two CEOs left the company within 15 months, while nearly 20 employees were dismissed during the same period. The CEO’s exits were due to differences of opinion over the company’s strategic direction. However, they left the company
Byron Allen is buying a controlling stake in BuzzFeed and becoming its chief executive, taking over from BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti, according to The New York Times. The announcement came on Monday, 11 May, when it was also shared that Allen will pay $120 million for a 52 percent stake in BuzzFeed. Bryon Allen purchasing a stake in Buzzfeed Allen shared in the announcement that he will focus on increasing free-streaming video, audio, and user-generated content. “Byron’s vision, operational experience and long-term commitment to premium content makes him exceptionally well-positioned to lead
Natasha Sideris, the restaurateur behind Tashas Group, and DJ Black Coffee are teaming up to create a premium agave spirit label in South Africa, according to Bloomberg. The label, Leonista, is set to launch at the end of the year. Sideris and Maphumul will source agave from the Karoo, a semi-arid region known for its premium lamb products. Black Coffee launching a spirit brand Leonista will be similar to tequila, meaning that it is distilled from the same plant genus. But tequila can only be made in specific regions of Mexico
will.i.am has completed his first semester teaching agentic AI at Arizona State University, as reported by Fox 11. The course is a credit-bearing, 15-week class open to all students; a second semester is in the works for later this year. will.i.am teaching an AI course During the course, students created their own personal companion called an agent. They presented their AI projects at the end of the course, with one student using his work to support veterans. Another student wrote a song related to the healthcare journey. “This professorship marks
Black-owned AI grocery startup Vori has raised $22 million in a series B round led by Cherryrock Capital, led by former TaskRabbit CEO Stacy Brown-Philpot, according to Fortune. Brandon Hill launched the company in 2024, with a family history in groceries. His grandparents ran a small store in Oklahoma, and his parents worked in a grocery store during their early career years. His mother currently works at Vori. When Hill visited his parents in Minnesota in 2020, he saw how they were still using paper invoices and wholesale catalogs. This
Uncle Nearest receiver Phillip G. Young Jr. has rejected a request to provide an emergency bankruptcy appeal filed in Uncle Nearest’s name, according to the Moore County Observer. Fawn Weaver filing for bankruptcy Fawn Weaver tried to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions for Uncle Nearest Inc., Nearest Green Distillery Inc., and Uncle Nearest Real Estate Holdings LLC. on March 17. But the bankruptcy court dismissed the cases two days later, stating that Weaver lacked the power to file them because the receivership order vested that power in Young. Farm Credit
