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Steph Curry: Mastered the 3-Pointer, Now Winning in Film

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2025-06-10

Steph Curry: Mastered the 3-Pointer, Now Winning in Film

“Good Shot,” Produced by Steph Curry, Set to Premiere at the American Black Film Festival This Weekend

Steph Curry’s Next Move: From Three-Point Line to Film

It would seem that after mastering the three-pointer, Stephen Curry is now lining his sights on the media landscape, driving into the film game with various producer credits over the past few years. His latest project, a meditative basketball-focused feature film called “Good Shot,” just dropped its first trailer ahead of its premiere at the American Black Film Festival this weekend.

Building Unanimous Media

Curry has been making headway in the media world for the last few years now, ever since unveiling his production company Unanimous Media, alongside Erick Peyton, in 2018. Through Unanimous, Curry and Peyton have helped develop several films, including the award-winning documentary “Emanuel” about the tragedy of the Charleston church shooting. Unanimous Media has also produced various TV shows, podcasts and even children’s books – some authored by Curry himself. Outside of Unanimous, Steph also has a couple acting credits, notably the recent Peacock mockumentary series “Mr. Throwback,” where the basketball star plays a lead role as an exaggerated version of himself.

Introducing “Good Shot”

Curry’s latest media endeavor, “Good Shot,” is documentary-style and hones in on Los Angeles streetball legend Maxwell Henderson, as he reckons with the pains of his past and adapts to having his eldest son back at home. Henderson is a man molded by his experiences and stuck living in his glory days, despite everyone around him telling him to wake up to the present. His journey is one that is “both deeply personal and universally relatable,” according to Curry and Peyton in a joint statement addressing the film’s debut.

A Story Seven Years in the Making

The finished product is the result of a seven year-long collaboration between Henderson and “Good Shot” filmmaker Joris Debeij, in what marks his directorial debut. The film is an introspective deep-dive into Henderson’s life, highlighting his accolades and his imperfections, while also spotlighting the people populating LA’s Nickerson Gardens housing complex – Henderson’s home. At its core, It’s a movie about basketball. But more than that it’s a story of fatherhood, of redemption, and of the power that can be found in community – it’s “about what we inherit from the places we grow up in, and the rare moments we try to do things differently,” according to Debeij.

Festival Debut and What’s Next

“Good Shot,” along with a myriad of other new documentaries, feature films, and more will premiere at the American Black Film Festival this weekend in Miami. Depending on how it performs at the festival, the film will likely see a wider, public release in the coming weeks. Curry and Peyton also have several other projects to keep an eye out for, including an animated action-comedy called “Goat” that follows a small goat with big dreams of playing ‘roarball,’ set to hit theaters in February.

“The Struggle to Defeat Will Be a Long One, But it is Our Duty to Do So.”

Mario Salas

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2025-06-10

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“The Struggle to Defeat Will Be a Long One, But it is Our Duty to Do So.”

Far-Right Extremism Fueled by Trump

Far-right extremists are emboldened and energized because of Trump and his fanatical followers. We must organize and not agonize against this threat to democracy. Across the country people are fighting back to protect voting rights, stop illegal deportation by thugs, fight for DEI and remain WOKE to the injustices perpetuated by an unholy alliance of fascist minded people. Racist extremists have underestimated the fighting spirit of Americans against dictatorial rule and the house of cards that these hateful people have built will come down in the wind of resistance. People are fighting back by challenging unconstitutional laws, partnering with national, state, and community organizations to ensure that all Americans receive equal protection under the law. San Antonio elected a progressive mayor this past week despite the fact that millions went into an effort to turn San Antonio into a puppet government of extreme hatred.

Attacks on Rights and History Intensify

The number of hate crimes continues to increase in America, with individuals being targeted for their ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. Black history, Brown history, and women’s history has been targeted by those who want us to return to the hate filled days of Jim Crow. This we will never do! More than 1,500 hard-right fanatical groups operate across the country, pushing white supremacist ideas, white Christian nationalism, fascism, and other dangerous ideologies. Attacks on the most vulnerable is also on the rise with police abuse and people and communities being stigmatized and targeted because of their economic condition. Vulnerable Black and Brown communities continue to experience exploitation, abuse by runaway ICE police, and lack of protection from a dictatorial regime in the White House.

Nationwide Resistance Builds

People are fighting back across the country as tens of thousands are taking t the streets in defiance of the odds to fight for democracy, civil rights, and civil liberties. White supremacy remains the main civil rights issue. It was never dismantled after the Civil War, never dismantled after Jim Crow, and now is a heated iron to stomp on the rights of people. If slave owners had been executed or given life sentences, we might not have had to experience the rise of Jim Crow. If slave owners had of been properly punished, we might have avoided the rape and murder of thousands during the Jim Crow era. We might have been spared the hatred we are seeing now. We might not have the Uncle Toms, like Senator Tim Scott running around here talking about how much he loves a dictator!

The Fight Ahead Is Unavoidable

The struggle will intensify as people are not going to accept a return to the mythical era of American greatness when in fact it was an American nightmare. Doing nothing is not an option in the face of these attacks by white supremacists and fascist minded people. Fighting hate and extremism, ending mass incarceration of Black and Brown people, fighting for economic justice, and telling our students the true nature of American history is a must. We must fight to reinstate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in educational institutions and the workplace, and we must reject any and all forms of worshiping a cult leader. We have a tremendous task ahead but we owe it to our ancestors and to those that fought for freedom. We must thank all of those for their service in the war for civil rights and those that died in the war against white supremacy.

We must remember that racism still runs rampant and the struggle to defeat will be a long one, but it is our duty to do so.

Jay-Z Places $1M Bet on OKC Thunder to Win NBA Finals

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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Jay-Z Places $1M Bet on OKC Thunder to Win NBA Finals

Jay-Z placed a $1 million bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder to defeat the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals in five games, according to Fanatics Sportsbook. The wager was announced just ahead of tip-off on Thursday night, when Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot gave the Pacers the early 1-0 edge in the series.

Should the Thunder bounce back to win the next four games, Jay-Z stands to make $3.3 million from the bet.

Tiktok Star Khaby Lame Was Detained by ICE and Voluntarily Departs U.S.

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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Tiktok Star Khaby Lame Was Detained by ICE and Voluntarily Departs U.S.

ICE Confirms Khaby Lame Was Detained in Las Vegas

TikTok’s most-followed creator, Khaby Lame, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6 after overstaying his visa, the agency confirmed. The 25-year-old Italian citizen, born in Senegal, had entered the United States on April 30 and was taken into custody at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

“Lame entered the United States April 30 and overstayed the terms of his visa,” ICE told Men’s Journal in an official statement. “Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the U.S.”

Viral Rumor Turns Out to Be True

The incident followed a wave of online speculation triggered by social media influencer Bo Louden, who claimed Lame had been arrested by ICE and posted a screenshot from the ICE detainee database under the name Serigne Khabane Lame. Initially, the rumor was flagged as likely false, with X’s Grok even issuing a warning and a community note pointing out that Lame was an Italian citizen not subject to deportation if he wasn’t living in the U.S.

The confusion grew because Lame never appeared in the public ICE detainee database—and continued posting on TikTok and Instagram throughout the day, including clips from a bookstore and birthday wishes to a fellow celebrity.

However, ICE later clarified that Lame had in fact been detained briefly and was allowed to voluntarily leave the country, which would explain his absence from the online database.

Lame Departs U.S. Without Incident

Despite the headlines, the situation didn’t escalate. ICE confirmed that Lame was not forcibly deported but instead granted voluntary departure the same day he was detained. That allowed the TikTok megastar—who boasts more than 162 million followers—to exit the U.S. without a formal removal record.

While Lame has not issued a direct statement on the incident, his social media presence remains active. On June 7, he posted multiple Instagram stories and a TikTok video, giving fans no indication of the brief immigration drama

GOP Urges Trump and Musk to Squash Their Beef

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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GOP Urges Trump and Musk to Squash Their Beef

Trump vs. Musk: A Political Power Clash Goes Public

What started as a policy disagreement has exploded into a full-blown feud between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk — and Republicans are scrambling to play peacemaker. After Musk publicly criticized Trump’s new tax and spending bill and quit his role in the administration, Trump fired back, accusing Musk of having “Trump derangement syndrome.”

Now, GOP lawmakers are pleading for a truce before the fallout undermines party goals and legislative progress.

GOP Leaders Worry About the Fallout

Lawmakers say the timing couldn’t be worse. With Trump’s massive tax break and border bill up for debate, some worry the high-profile spat could derail unity. “I hope it doesn’t distract us from getting the job done,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.).

House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the sentiment, assuring reporters the bill will pass on schedule — but warned Musk not to challenge Trump’s authority. “He is the leader of the party… probably the most consequential political figure of the modern era.”

Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Hannity Call for a Ceasefire

Senator Ted Cruz called for reconciliation on Fox News, saying, “When the two of them are working together, we’ll get a lot more done for America.” Sen. Mike Lee of Utah posted a meme and heartfelt plea on X, writing: “I really like both of them” and asking followers to “repost if you agree that the world is a better place with the Trump-Musk bromance fully intact.”

Even Sean Hannity joined in, chalking up the clash to a “major policy difference,” comparing it to fights during his childhood hockey games that ended with handshakes.

Trump Isn’t Ready to Talk — Yet

While Musk has reportedly shown interest in resolving tensions, Trump is not ready to entertain the idea. When asked about Musk during a TV interview, Trump responded bluntly: “You mean the man who has lost his mind?” He added he was “not particularly” interested in a conversation, at least not yet.

According to one insider, Trump flat-out refused to take a call from Musk on Friday, brushing off any efforts at reconciliation — for now.

What Sparked the Feud?

The clash stems from Musk’s sharp criticism of Trump’s signature tax and spending proposal, which the CBO says could balloon the deficit by $2.4 trillion and leave nearly 11 million more Americans uninsured. Musk, who had previously served in an advisory role within the administration, has been increasingly vocal about his disapproval, prompting Trump’s verbal backlash and public shaming.

Elon Musk attends a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The Bigger Picture: GOP Unity at Stake

While many Republicans still back the president’s policy agenda, they recognize Musk’s influence over tech, business, and public discourse. Allowing the feud to fester could alienate key allies and deepen divisions within the party.

“I believe in redemption,” said Speaker Johnson. “It’s good for the party and the country if all that’s worked out.”

College Athletes Can Finally Get Paid — Legally

Sports

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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College Athletes Can Finally Get Paid — Legally

$2.8 Billion Game-Changer: How the House Settlement Is Reshaping College Sports

In a historic ruling, a federal judge has approved a sweeping $2.8 billion antitrust settlement that marks the beginning of a new era in college athletics. For the first time, schools will be allowed to directly compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), dismantling over a century of “amateurism” that defined the NCAA.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit led by former Arizona State swimmer Grant House, combined with similar cases, resulting in a unified settlement that will impact hundreds of thousands of athletes across more than 1,000 schools.

How Much Will Athletes Be Paid — And Who’s Paying?

Starting as early as next year, Division I schools can allocate up to $20.5 million annually — about 22% of their revenue — to athletes. That revenue comes largely from TV rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. But some schools may pass on costs to fans and students through new “talent fees,” concessions markups, or added tuition charges.

Why Scholarships Aren’t Enough Anymore

While scholarships and cost-of-attendance stipends have long been considered a fair trade for athletes’ services, many argued they were grossly insufficient compared to the billions in revenue athletes helped generate. With coaches earning multimillion-dollar salaries and athletic departments booming, athletes finally turned to the courts — and won.

NIL Isn’t New, But Direct Pay Is

Since 2021, athletes have been permitted to accept third-party NIL money thanks to state-level reforms and legal pressure. What’s new is that schools themselves can now cut the checks. Donor-backed “collectives” are still allowed to participate, meaning players can receive both school and third-party compensation.

Will $20.5 Million Cover Everyone? Not Quite

Top-tier athletes, especially in football and men’s basketball, will likely command a large share of the available money. Some star quarterbacks are reportedly earning $2 million annually — about 10% of a school’s NIL budget. To stay competitive, schools will likely still rely on outside partnerships to sweeten the deal for recruits.

New Rules, New Referees

To oversee this new system, the “College Sports Commission” — created by the Power Five conferences — will monitor NIL deals and enforce compliance. Any deal over $600 will be reviewed to ensure players are paid “market value.” While designed to be quicker and more efficient than the NCAA, it’s already raising red flags about future legal battles and state law conflicts.

Backpay for Athletes Locked Out Under Old Rules

A major part of the settlement includes $2.7 billion in backpay to athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024, missing out on NIL earnings under previous NCAA restrictions. That money will be distributed from the NCAA and conference earnings — largely pulled from reduced payouts from major events like March Madness.

Football and Basketball Will See the Biggest Payday

As the main revenue drivers, football and men’s basketball players are expected to receive the lion’s share of NIL funds. However, this could raise Title IX issues, since schools must still provide equitable opportunities for all athletes, regardless of sport or gender.

Olympic Sports and Smaller Programs Face Uncertain Futures

The settlement includes new roster limits but expands full-scholarship eligibility to all team members, not just a select few. This change may benefit athletes in Olympic sports but could also shrink team sizes and jeopardize future Team USA development pipelines, given the financial strain of supporting non-revenue-generating sports.

A New Era, But Far From Finished

The settlement is a milestone, but college sports’ legal headaches aren’t over. Key issues remain: Will athletes unionize? Will they be reclassified as employees? The newly formed College Sports Commission could also face lawsuits. Meanwhile, the NCAA is lobbying Congress for an antitrust exemption to shield against further litigation — but so far, lawmakers haven’t budged.

No Men, No Problem: Moms Are Taking Back the Dance Floor

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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No Men, No Problem: Moms Are Taking Back the Dance Floor

No Men, No Pressure: Moms Across Europe Are Taking Back the Dance Floor is the U.S. Next?

For years, club culture has centered around men—men watching, men pursuing, men taking up space. But now, across Europe, women are proving something revolutionary: we don’t need men to have a good time. In fact, when they’re not around, the party is better.

Mathilde Neiman remembers her wild 20s at Paris’s iconic Raspoutine nightclub—stumbling out at 5 a.m., carefree and childless. Fast-forward 20 years, she’s now a mom of two, but on a recent Tuesday at 7 p.m., she was back at that same club—this time for a women-only dance party.

It’s a funny kind of paradox, going to a place where you had the wildest nights… and now going back at 7 p.m. with women your age, she said.

These all-female parties are booming across Europe. Events like Diva Paris and Germany’s Mama Geht Tanzen (Mama Goes Dancing) are made for women juggling kids, careers, and a desperate need to move their bodies without being ogled. The best part? No one’s watching—especially not men.

“We do have energy,” Neiman says. “We just have it at a different time of day.”

These parties are held at mom-friendly hours—think 8 to 11 p.m.—so women can kiss their kids goodnight and still get home before the last train. And in the absence of men, everything shifts: drinks feel safer, outfits are worn for yourself, and no one’s waiting around for the beat to drop. You walk in, and the dance floor is already pulsing.

“The fact that there are only women means that they let go of all inhibitions a lot quicker,” says Constance d’Amécourt, co-founder of Diva Paris. “The idea is not to exclude men, but to offer a moment for women.”

DJ Nikki Beatnik, who launched Mums That Rave in London, puts it more bluntly:
“It was two fingers up to the establishment, stereotypes, and all that’s expected of moms.”

And it’s working. Mama Geht Tanzen now has parties in 200 cities across Europe. The women come in, the music starts, and it’s a dance rebellion from the jump.

Turns out, women don’t need to wait until the kids are grown—or for some man to buy the next round. All they need is a beat, each other, and a little space to be loud, sweaty, and free.

Netflix Is in its Prime, Signals Next Era of Streaming Dominance

Entertainment

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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Netflix Is in its Prime, Signals Next Era of Streaming Dominance

Netflix Is Firmly in Its Scripted Content Bag

The last couple of years there has been a streaming services war, but when you look around right now, Netflix is on one of its hottest runs in years, and it’s not just because of sheer volume. The platform has been serving up buzzy originals, franchise expansions, international hits, and star-studded film slates that feel tailor-made for global audiences itching to watch something binge-worthy.

Popular Netflix series include— The Night Agent, Wednesday, Adolescence, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton. And every time we finish one, it feels like another high-profile release is waiting right behind it.

Netflix isn’t just surviving the chaos of streaming consolidation; it’s thriving by doing what it does best: delivering culture-defining scripted content at scale while constantly feeding diverse fandoms. And there’s no better proof point than this past weekend’s Tudum 2025 live event.

Scrape and Sue: Reddit Drags Anthropic Into Court Over AI Use

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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Scrape and Sue: Reddit Drags Anthropic Into Court Over AI Use

Reddit has filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, accusing the AI startup of unlawfully scraping and using Reddit’s data to train its AI models without a licensing agreement, despite repeated warnings.

While Reddit has authorized deals with companies like OpenAI and Google under specific terms, it claims Anthropic’s bots ignored scraping restrictions and accessed the platform over 100,000 times, leading Reddit to seek damages and a court injunction.

What Trump’s New Travel Ban Means for 19 Countries

Observer Staff

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2025-06-10

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What Trump’s New Travel Ban Means for 19 Countries

A New Travel Ban Sparks Old Fears

The Trump administration has reimposed a controversial travel ban — this time affecting nationals from 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Set to go into effect Monday, the policy restricts or suspends travel to the U.S. for millions, prompting confusion, outrage, and deep concern from immigrant communities, legal experts, and human rights advocates.

Immigrant Families Left in Limbo

For thousands of families, the ban is more than policy — it’s personal. A Haitian green card holder in Miami said she’s “confused and scared,” unsure if her sick father and sister will still be able to visit. In Havana, Cubans waiting in line for visa interviews were devastated to learn that their long-awaited opportunities were now indefinitely on hold.

“I had been waiting nine years for this moment,” said one young woman. Another man warned, “If they don’t grant visas, Cubans will starve.”

Who’s Affected by the Ban?

The ban applies to 12 countries with full travel suspensions:
Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Seven more countries face partial suspensions:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The administration argues the ban is for national security reasons, citing concerns over document vetting and visa overstays. But critics say the countries chosen suggest racial and religious targeting, with many being Muslim-majority or politically unstable nations.

Exiles and Advocates Speak Out

“This travel ban is racist, bigoted, xenophobic, and deeply un-American,” said Adelys Ferro of the Venezuelan American Caucus. José Antonio Colina, a Venezuelan exile and army defector, added, “We are persecuted by Maduro — and now by Trump.”

Even some immigration lawyers with conservative leanings expressed discomfort. “I know there’s a need for stricter policy,” said attorney Shahzeen Karim, “but as a Muslim immigration attorney, this still feels very targeted.”

Exceptions Exist — But Not for Everyone

There are some exceptions, including for U.S. citizens’ spouses and children, permanent residents, and adopted individuals. However, others — such as adult children, siblings, employer-sponsored migrants, and diversity lottery winners — are out of luck, even if they’ve “done it the right way,” said former USCIS adviser Doug Rand.

Experts say overturning the ban won’t be easy. In contrast to Trump’s 2017 Muslim ban — which was met with legal backlash — this new version is more calculated and diverse, making discrimination claims harder to prove.

“Trump got smarter this time,” said immigration attorney Edward Cuccia. The rollout won’t be as abrupt, and the administration’s national security framing may hold up in court.

A Blow to Business, Students, and Cultural Exchange

The implications extend far beyond families. “What does this mean for family unification, for business, for student visas?” Cuccia asked. “That seems to be gone out the window.”

For many, the ban undermines years of planning and legal pathways — from job offers and investment opportunities to education and cultural exchange.

Critics Say This Isn’t Just Policy — It’s Personal

Raha Wala of the National Immigration Law Center said the ban is “a fig leaf” to justify a deeper agenda. “This started with a call for a total Muslim ban,” he said. “And then there was the ‘s—hole countries’ remark. You can’t separate this policy from that history.”

Even some supporters of the ban, like Venezuelan activist Colina, admit that the broad restrictions unfairly punish entire communities for the actions of a few.