Amazon, CEO, Andy Jassy, middle managers

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Amazon Becomes Largest Parcel Carrier, Dethroning US Postal Service Amid Money Woes

Amazon now reigns as the largest parcel carrier in the United States, dethroning the country’s own federal agency for mail deliveries.

FreightWaves confirmed that Amazon surpassed the U.S. Postal Service in delivery volume, handling more than 6.7 billion parcels in 2025. The online retailer saw a 9.8% year-over-year growth in parcel deliveries, compared to the 6.6 billion parcels handled by the USPS, which has faced an 8.3% decline.

The outlet noted that Amazon’s rise to the top of domestic parcel handling is not only due to its millions of users on its e-commerce platform. It also handles shipments through contract from third parties, adding to its shipment loads annually.

However, it is not the only upside. FedEx also reported a 5.9% increase in parcel deliveries. However, their load is still several billion parcels below Amazon, sitting at 3.6 billion for the past year. Another major shipping company, UPS, noted a 8.3% decline with only 4.4 billion deliveries handled.

The news comes amid other reports of an ongoing financial crisis plaguing the USPS. A December 2025 Government Accountability report found that the postal service has lost over $109 billion since it became unprofitable in 2007. The self-funded federal agency relies on its own revenue through stamps and shipments to stay afloat, but has struggled throughout the years to do so.

Without government support, the USPS expects to run out of cash by 2027, which would halt its delivery service. In light of this, the Trump administration has already warned that it will either insert new leadership or privatize the agency as its financial constraints worsen, as reported by USA Today.

Now, Amazon’s bypassing the federal agency for the most delivered parcels raises more concerns about the USPS’s relevance and efficiency, potentially thwarting its request for assistance. The USPS also has among the lowest revenue market shares of the major shipping companies.

Despite increases in parcel revenue, the USPS captures only 16.6% of these profits, with UPS dominating the market by nearly a third, taking in $58.3 billion in revenue. As more adults receive items through online retailers and their delivery services, USPS continues to be squeezed out of an increasingly tough market, with Amazon leading the charge.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

2-Year Shutdown Planned For The Kennedy Center As Resignations And Trump-Led Changes Take Effect

The Kennedy Center will close for two years as Trump leads a major overhaul at the arts institution.

The board of directors at Kennedy Center has announced a two-year pause in operations as President Donald Trump leads a sweeping overhaul of the renowned Washington, D.C.-based arts institution.

The decision was announced on March 16 as part of Trump’s effort to reshape the Kennedy Center, CBS News reports. The board—now largely made up of members appointed by Trump—previously voted to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center. Trump has said the closure is necessary for repairs, which are expected to begin after this summer’s July 4 celebrations.

“We’re going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” Trump told reporters while speaking at the White House.

In a statement, the Kennedy Center said it approved a $257 million “comprehensive revitalization project” set to last two years, beginning after the July Independence Day celebrations, with a grand reopening planned afterward. The closure announcement comes about a month after Trump said he planned to shut down the Kennedy Center to address what he described as a deteriorating facility. Alongside the shutdown, the board voted to appoint Matt Floca as CEO and executive director, replacing Trump ally Richard Grenell, who previously oversaw sweeping changes and warned staff of cuts that could leave “skeletal teams.”

“From day one, our mission was to make the Trump Kennedy Center a place every American could be proud of, and this renovation is the fulfillment of that promise,” Grenell said in a statement. “What comes next will be worth the wait.”

Since the vote to rename the center—a move scholars and lawmakers say would require congressional approval—artists and performing groups have canceled appearances in protest, including a run of “Hamilton.” Notable figures such as Issa Rae, Béla Fleck, and Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled events, while advisers like Ben Folds and Renée Fleming stepped down. Earlier this month, National Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jean Davidson left to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

In the wake of these departures, the Kennedy Center’s programming has shifted toward aligning more closely with the White House’s cultural agenda. Recent developments include hosting the premiere of Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania,” securing the FIFA World Cup draw after outreach from Trump to Gianni Infantino, and Trump personally hosting the Kennedy Center Honors last December.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

Boxer Janaya Berry’s Father Schools Misogynist Influencer For Insulting Daughter

"I ain't gonna lie. I'm pissed."

During a press conference, the father of female boxer Janaya Berry, chastised an influencer named Thiirty after he referred to his daughter as a bitch.

The clip doesn’t show when Thiirty called Berry a bitch, but it picks up with her father’s reaction, who responded directly to the influencer. It was posted March 13 by Aiden Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions, before the March 14 fight between Berry and Kristina Santa.

As Thiirty was speaking to the crowd from behind a microphone, Berry’s father, Jarvis addressed him.

“I ain’t gonna lie. I’m pissed.” He told Thiirty that any man who calls a woman a bitch, must have been taught by his father to “call a woman a bitch, so, in other words, he’s probably calling Mama, sisters, aunties, and everybody that. So that means you’re addressing Mama and your girl and whoever else you’re addressing.”

Jarvis Berry said, “Because a real man will not call a woman a bitch. A real man will come straight up and say what he got to say without attacking my daughter.”

As he finished what he has to say, Thiirty said he had a problem with whoever he was arguing with when he called Berry a bitch. The father wasn’t trying to hear that noise.

“Apologize to my daughter,” Jarvis Berry said. “That’s right now, apologize to my daughter.”

https://twitter.com/BrandRisk/status/2032614379804361131

Janaya Berry, who played college basketball at West Virginia University, beat the previously undefeated Santa.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, American Academy Of Pediatrics , vaccines

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

RFK Jr. Takes Major L In Vaccine Agenda After Judge Blocks Changes To Child Schedule

Trump administration officials may be starting to see the logic in vaccines.

A federal judge handed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a major loss, blocking changes to his vaccine policy, including a reduction in the number of recommended childhood immunizations and the restructuring of an important vaccine advisory panel, The Hill reported.

Massachusetts U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy gave the green light to a motion from the American Academy of Pediatrics for a preliminary injunction against HHS’s reduced childhood immunization schedule in early 2026, in addition to moving things around within the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ruling invalidates all votes made by the committee since.

In his ruling, Murphy, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, found an ACIP reconstitution failed to abide by the Federal Advisory Committee Act and labeled CDC bypassing the ACIP when changing the childhood immunization schedule as both a “technical, procedural failure” and “an abandonment of the technical knowledge and expertise embodied by that committee.”

“The Court concludes that, in addition to being contrary to law, the issuance of the January 2026 Memo was arbitrary and capricious because it abandoned the agency’s longstanding practice of getting recommendations from ACIP before changing the immunization schedules without sufficient explanation,” the judge wrote in his ruling, in reference to the CDC’s announcement.

Controversy surrounding moves made by Kennedy started shortly after being confirmed in 2025. In June, the secretary fired all 17 sitting members of the ACIP, claiming it was necessary to “re-establish public confidence in vaccine science.”

Kennedy then appointed new vaccine skeptics and critics to the committee. Since then, the new ACIP members voted in favor of no longer recommending birth doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, delaying the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, and pushing to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for persons six months and older.

However, it should be left up to “individual-based decision making.”

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) celebrated the ruling on X, calling it “a win for science and medicine and a loss for Trump and RFK Jr.”

“Vaccines are safe and effective lifesaving tools,” he wrote. “RFK Jr. is a stain on public health, and I’m glad the courts ruled against his anti-vaccine madness.”

This is a win for science and medicine and a loss for Trump and RFK Jr.

Vaccines are safe and effective lifesaving tools. RFK Jr. is a stain on public health and I’m glad the courts ruled against his anti-vaccine madness. pic.twitter.com/iSkkxO4YlO
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 17, 2026

There may be some truth behind Schumer’s sentiments as the number of measles cases has increased, causing a major public health crisis in some states like South Carolina, where according to The Washington Post, the number of infections surpassed what Texas had in a year. Meanwhile, the U.S. has had its highest annual measles count in 33 years.

HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon released a statement saying the agency “looks forward to this judge’s decision being overturned just like his other attempts to keep the Trump administration from governing.”

But President Donald Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Dr. Casey Means, who recently declined to say whether she would encourage Americans to get vaccinated against the measles during a February public hearing, is now speaking out in favor of the vaccine. Standing with the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Mehmet Oz, who urged Americans to “take the vaccine, please,” Means released a supportive statement.

“I stand with Dr. Oz’s message to Americans to take the measles vaccine,” she said.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 17, 2026

T.I. Performs Halftime At Atlanta Hawks Game After NBA Nixed ‘Magic City’ Theme Night

The sold-out crowd witnessed the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Orlando Magic 124-112

Atlanta recording artist T.I. rocked the State Farm Arena to perform during halftime on the night that the Atlanta Hawks had originally planned as a theme night honoring the famed Magic City Strip Club. The “King” emcee had fans and game watchers locked in as he performed throwback hits, “Rubber Band Man,” What You Know,” and traded an occasional two-step with the Hawks mascot. Just as the halftime wrapped up, Tip’s comrade and Grand Hustle label mate, Young Dro, hit the wood grain and gave the audience a nostalgic finish.

The team initially announced that a celebration honoring the city’s hotspot would take place on March 16 at State Farm Arena. However, the league stepped in to cancel “Magic City Night” after complaints from fans and basketball players about the club’s status as a strip club.

I’m so throw back hits According to The Associated Press, the canceled promotion did not stop fans from celebrating the adult entertainment club, the subject of last year’s STARZ docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy that highlighted Magic City’s recognition over the years, including its famous lemon pepper wings. The basketball franchise started advertising “Magic City Night” and promised fans would be able to purchase the famous chicken wings, buy exclusive Magic City gear at the venue, and see hometown recording artist T.I. perform. Still, after hearing complaints from “a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver put a stop to the promotion.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/jzbUW8t73Y
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 9, 2026

That did not stop the night from being successful.

On top of the Hawks beating the Orlando Magic 124-112, merchandise from the venue reportedly sold out as fans sported gear on the night of the game.

An employee at the Hawks Shop said that there were 300 hoodies available for preorder, and they sold out almost immediately. Hawks Principal Owner, Jami Gertz, who co-produced the STARZ docuseries with Atlanta mainstay, music producer Jermaine Dupri, was seen sporting a Magic City hoodie at State Farm Arena.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

Jack Harlow Dragged On Black Twitter After Saying His Sound Got ‘Blacker’

Jack Harlow turned himself into a Black Twitter meme after saying his new sound is "Blacker" than before.

Jack Harlow became a laughingstock on social media over the weekend amid the release of his new album, which he claims sounds “Blacker” than his previous releases.

Jack Harlow, a Louisville, Kentucky native, has been on a promotional run for his new studio album, Monica, his fourth full-length project, which leans into a neo-soul sound and has received mixed reactions from fans. The criticism intensified after his appearance on The New York Times Popcast, where he was asked whether he intentionally avoided moving into a “whiter genre,” unlike other white rappers such as Post Malone and Machine Gun Kelly, who have taken similar paths.

“I got Blacker,” Harlow replied.

Jack Harlow speaks on leaning further into Black music on his new album Monica rather than taking the "safer route" by retreating into traditionally white sounds.

“I got Blacker… I love Black music. I love the sound of Black music. And, of course, I’m hyper-aware of the… pic.twitter.com/xZjWVKe34J
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) March 13, 2026

“I think…I love Black music. I love the sound of Black music,” he continued. “And of course, I’m hyper aware of the politics of today, that safer landing spot that a lot of my white contemporaries have found.”

Amid the interview and album rollout, featuring him in baggy fits and beanies reminiscent of Common and Talib Kweli, Harlow has become something of a meme on X, with many on Black Twitter sharing a recent photo of him and poking fun at his new neo-soul-inspired direction.

“MY GOD, THEY TEARING THIS MAN UP,” an Instagram user captioned a photo slide of some of the most outlandish meme reactions.

Among the jokes circulating about his new album, some mocked Jack Harlow with nicknames like “De La Stole,” “Mos Definitely Not,” and “IRS-One,” among others.

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A post shared by 308 Negro Arroyo Lane (@bblyonce)

The memes have only added to the backlash surrounding Harlow’s new album, which has also drawn harsh reviews from critics like Anthony Fantano and Pitchfork, as well as Charlamagne Tha God on The Breakfast Club, who said the project made the rapper sound “whiter.”

Prairie View A&M, Howard University, NCAA Tournament Games

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

3 HBCUs Playing In NCAA Basketball Tournament For First Time In 32 Years

This hasn't happened since 1994.

For the first time in more than 30 years, three HBCU basketball teams—Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Prairie View A&M University—will compete in the Division I Men’s NCAA Tournament.

According to HBCU Gameday, Howard and Prairie View A&M, are seeded at No. 16, and participate in the play-in First Four tournament, which starts today. Tennessee State is a No. 15 seed in the 68-team tournament. TheGrio reported that the last time three Black colleges qualified and played in the NCAA Tournament was in 1994, when Texas Southern, Tennessee State, and North Carolina A&T made the cut.

In the Midwest bracket, Tennessee State, which will play No. 2 Iowa State in the opening round, is making its first appearance in 32 years. They won this year’s Ohio Valley Conference title (its first since 1994-1995), compiling a 15-5 conference record and 23-9 overall.

Howard University, as the No. 16 seed in its region, will face the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (No. 16 seed) on March 17 to see which team advances to the first round of the tournament to play No. 1 University of Michigan in the Midwest Bracket. Howard won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament Final and finished the season with a 23-10 record and an 11-3 conference record.

No. 16 Prairie View A&M will play No. 16 Lehigh University for the chance to go up against Florida, No. 1 in the South, in the opening round. The school posted an 18-17 overall record, went 9-9 in conference play, and took home this season’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament championship.

The first round of the NCAA Tournament starts Friday, March 21, with 64 teams. The following week will be the second round, with the Sweet 16 the week after. The championship game will take April 6.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Lizzo To Drop New Children’s Book About ‘Lil Lizzo’ And Her Flute-Fueled Beginnings

The book will focus on "Lil Lizzo" and the discovery of her passion for the flute.

Lizzo is sharing more about her “origin story” with the flute through a new children’s book.

The “Good as Hell” singer has authored a children’s novel, “Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin,” making her the latest celebrity children’s book author. She announced the news and showed off the book’s cover to Gayle King on CBS Mornings.

“Everyone always asks me my origin story with the flute,” explained the Grammy winner on her inspiration to pen the book. “They’re like, ‘why flute, how flute?’ This tells the real-life story of how I started playing the flute.”

While a children’s book is a new lane for the singer-songwriter, she says the love of writing allowed her to take on the venture.

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“I love writing. Like, I have always wanted to write ‘The Great American Novel.’ I used to say that when I was a kid. And that was before the music took over,” she told King.

Instead of the next classic in literature, however, Lizzo opted to write Billboard hits. Now, she has returned to her initial writing roots while inspiring children to follow their hearts, just as she did with the flute.

She called the novel a “beautiful marriage of everything that’s me.” As for the book’s title, Lizzo took inspiration from another artist’s alter ego. She compared Beyoncé’s on-stage persona, Sasha Fierce, to how she felt when she began to play the flute.

“Sasha, there was a time, so there was, Beyoncé is like such an inspiration to me, especially when I was younger growing up,” said Lizzo. “And she had her alter ego. She was like, I’m Beyoncé, but then on stage I’m Sasha Fierce. And I was like, oh, that’s so funny because to me I felt like the flute.”

Because of her grind to become a rapper, the 37-year-old entertainer felt she had to split that persona from her life as a flutist. Thus, she created her own version of “Sasha Fierce,” named “Sasha B. Flootin,” that young readers will soon discover.

She continued,” I had split into two different worlds when I was going to college for flute. And when I wanted to be a rapper in the Houston scene. I felt like I had to choose between the two. So I was like Sasha, or the flute will be my alter ego.”

Lizzo says the children’s book will also encourage children to build confidence and find their voice. The Houston native wants little readers to explore all their passions and trust themselves to pursue their dreams.

“This is a story about finding your voice. And the only way to find your voice is by being yourself and trusting yourself,” Lizzo said. “ It doesn’t matter where you are, who you know. At the end of the day, it’s always going to be about you. And by the end of the story, hopefully.”

For fans waiting to get their hands on Lizzo’s latest project, “Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’” will release Sept. 8.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

Barack Obama Set To Appear In Larry David’s New Sketch Comedy Show That Mocks America

During the SXSW festival, film director and television writer Jeff Schaffer touched on what it was like working with the duo for the show, with Obama and David continuously taking digs at each other.

As if America couldn’t get enough of the first Black president, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to make his acting debut in a new HBO Max sketch comedy show mocking the country ahead of its 250th anniversary, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Obama will appear in an episode of Larry David’s, creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm,” latest show titled, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America.” Joined by a hilarious comedic ensemble, including award-winning actors such as J.B. Smoove and Kathryn Hahn, Obama will not only star in the show but also work behind the scenes as producer alongside his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama.

David first announced that he was working with the presidential couple in 2025, but as the country embraces a grand celebration, the famous creator put his own spin on it using the unique logline: “President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America’s 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion… But then Larry David called.”

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A post shared by Boardroom (@boardroom)

President Donald Trump allegedly has a grand celebration ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Still, Obama says nothing compares to what he has cooking with David, who is known for his groundbreaking work on the hit sitcom, “Seinfeld.”

“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” the president said in a statement.

“Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.”

As Obama is known for his great sense of humor, it will be interesting to see him on the small screen. During the SXSW festival, film director and television writer Jeff Schaffer touched on what it was like to work with the duo on the show, with Obama and David continually taking digs at each other. “He was ragging on your golf game, ragging on how much sunscreen you wear,” Schaffer said during a panel featuring David, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“I said, ‘I’m sorry my father wasn’t born in Kenya,’” the famous writer responded.

With the back-and-forth banter, David said he made it clear what his role was during production, as both men are used to being in charge. “I’m used to being the boss. Obama is also quite used to being the boss. We came to a bit of a loggerhead there,” he said.

He said there was a point where he turned to the former White House occupant and said, “I’m president here.”

Scheduled to premiere on June 26, fans seem excited to see Obama in a different light, leaving words of encouragement on social media and planning to tune in. “Obama has a great sense of humor! I look forward to this,” @angiedot25 wrote on IG.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Tax Preparers In Metro Atlanta Accused Of Faking Documents, Keeping Money Clients Owed To IRS

Whitlan Tax Service allegedly scammed customers by never filing their tax returns.

Tax preparers in Metro Atlanta are under investigation after allegedly faking documents and keeping clients’ money owed to the IRS.

Customers of Whitlan Tax Service initially thought that their tax returns were being filed with the government. However, IRS notices made them realize that their due pay never went to Uncle Sam. Instead, they allege the business’s owners, Jahaya King and her husband, ran off with their money.

Now, disgruntled customers have called out King and her husband for the shady service. Meanwhile, many still owe thousands to the IRS and state agencies for the unpaid taxes.

WSB-TV uncovered that the tax preparation company also failed to meet the proper federal requirements. Tax preparers must have the Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN, to file the returns. Upon this additional discovery, scammed customers called the matter “wicked” as they dealt with the consequences.

Not only are the customers upset with Whitlan Tax Service, but they are also more apprehensive about trusting small businesses with important matters.

“It’s very sad, and it also hurts my trust in small businesses,” expressed one anonymous customer.

Another customer, Donna Hines, gave the Whitlan Tax Service $15,000 to cover the taxes for her elderly grandmother. She told police that she sent the money directly to King and her husband, expecting them to handle the filing. However, the tax debt has yet to be settled, leaving Hines with even more money owed due to penalties.

“If I had paid it on time, it would have been about $6,500,” Hines said. “Because of the penalties and the delay and no processing of her information, it is now $28,000.

King and her husband also sold dreams of hefty tax returns to keep clients around. However, this notion is considered a major red flag for tax preparers.

“A legitimate tax preparer is going to review your files, review your income, ask questions and not make any personal guarantees or promises,” tax expert Shana Pope shared.

Others claim they were further hoodwinked by King, with customers having incomplete or amended tax returns that left actual tax professionals unable to sift through the documents.

However, their woes serve as a cautionary tale for other taxpayers about working with professional, certified tax preparers this season.

“When the IRS comes after their money, their penalties, et cetera, they come to the taxpayer, not the tax preparer,” Pope said.

King and her husband have managed to evade customers’ complaints, allegedly hiding in their home amid the controversy. The IRS and South Fulton police have launched investigations into complaints surrounding the Whitlan Tax Service, with the owners potentially facing charges of theft by deception.