BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on before game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Beverly Hills Apologizes To Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown For Shutting Down His Private Event, He’s Considering Legal Action
'I would like to apologize to Jaylen Brown and the Jannard family' said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.
Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown hosted an event for his athletic-wear company, 741Performance, during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Beverly Hills, which the Beverly Hills Police Department shut down.
On Feb. 20, less than a week after the action, the city of Beverly Hills publicly apologized to Brown, citing that the reason given for shutting down his event was “inaccurate.”
According to ESPN, officials from Beverly Hills told the Boston Globe that the city had rejected a permit for Brown’s event because of previous violations at the home of Oakley founder Jim Jannard, where the event was taking place.
Jannard and Brown have a partnership, which is why the event was taking place at his home. Brown stated that the city’s reason was “completely false” and felt his event was targeted.
The city’s Instagram account stated that the previously issued statement “contained inaccurate information.” They admitted that no permit application was submitted or denied, adding that Jannard’s residence has no violations, despite the reasoning they gave earlier in the week. Instead, they gave a different reason for shutting it down.
“The City’s previous statement about the weekend event at the Trousdale home was inaccurate, and on behalf of the City, I would like to apologize to Jaylen Brown and the Jannard family,” said City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey. “The City has a responsibility to its residents and neighborhoods to ensure adherence to established regulations for events held at private residences. These are designed to support the safety and welfare of neighbors and attendees. City staff observed circumstances that are believed to be City code violations, and for that reason alone, the event was ended.”
However, the NBA All-Star player responded to the city’s statement, stating that there was no mention of any violations, nor did police officers enter the residence.
“This was a private, invitation-only gathering at a private home among friends and partners, not a public or commercial event requiring a permit. Music was voluntarily turned off at 6:00 p.m., well before the 10:00 p.m. noise ordinance. In advance of the event, our team proactively contacted the Beverly Hills Police Department, requesting to hire an off-duty officer for support, and that request was declined.
“No proof of any alleged violation was ever produced to the homeowner, our team, or legal counsel.”
He spoke to Andscape and said he was not only embarrassed by what took place, but also angry that police officers shut down the event without speaking to him or Jannard about the justification for doing so.
“I’m not a legality type of pursuing guy, but you embarrassed my brand and my team. And I think that is unfair,” Brown told Andscape. “And for you to continue to tell untruths in your apology statement, I feel offended by it. I will circle back with my team this weekend, and we will make a decision.”
Celebrate 100 Years Of Black History Month With These Events: Week 3
Black History Month is a nationwide movement
Black History Month is a nationwide movement to both celebrate and learn about the Black culture and achievements of African Americans and Black people across the diaspora.
To continue the month-long immersion into Black history and the evolution of Black culture, check out BLACK ENTERPRISE’s four-week series on things to do to celebrate 100 years of Black history and culture across America.
Week three of Black History Month typically shifts from the initial excitement and momentum to a more profound and exploratory phase. Events during this period blend historical narratives, cultural celebrations, and community knowledge sharing, enabling participants to transcend mere remembrance and delve into understanding the enduring legacies and ongoing contributions of Black communities.
“We Shall Overcome: African American Stories from Civil War to Civil Rights” tour – Atlanta, Georgia
The Oakland Cemetery examines the experiences of everyday and exceptional African Americans who were buried at Oakland Cemetery between the time of emancipation and the Civil Rights Movement. Through the historical progression of the song “We Shall Overcome,” the tour highlights resistance and resilience through different generations of Black Atlantans during Black History Month.
The performance ensemble Minty Fresh Circus will present a captivating circus and dance show on Feb. 22, at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The show will feature African Diaspora movement traditions, including Lindy Hop and hip-hop, and will honor Black music along its movement culture.
Black History Film Festival – Washington, D.C.
The Black History Film Festival (BHFF) takes place every year in Washington, D.C. The festival includes educational panels such as “So You Wanna Film in DC” which helps local creatives understand filmmaking careers while providing them access to cinematic works that examine freedom movements and historical figures alongside contemporary cultural identity.
The event receives support from multiple local arts organizations, as well as the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. From more than 170 submissions, the festival selects 15 films to present a diverse collection of short, feature, and documentary films, along with panel discussions, cultural performances, and musical presentations. The festival goes down at the Lincoln Theatre, a historic venue on “Black Broadway” that has served as a central hub for African American cultural activities for the past 100 years. Check it out on Feb. 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
126th Anniversary of Lift Every Voice and Sing: Heritage Tour – Jacksonville, Florida
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and Friends of the Brentwood Library are hosting a heritage tour in Jacksonville, Florida to commemorate the 126th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem.
The guided storytelling tour through Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns counties will combine historical interpretation with community reflection to explore African American history in the region. The tour will educate attendees about the historical significance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” while exploring Black heritage in Northeast Florida. The tour begins at Gateway Town Center at 500 Norwood Avenue in Jacksonville on Feb. 21, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, and will act as the main Black History Month event for Week 3.
The tour aims to connect the song’s powerful cultural meaning to specific local Black historical sites.
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra + Documentary “Our Blues Make Us Gold” – Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. will host the Smithsonian Black History Month Performance Series, which features free and affordable educational programs and performances. The programs feature a documentary screening called “Our Blues Make Us Gold” along with heritage celebrations that recognize Black musical heritage and cultural traditions. The event takes place Feb. 21, along with additional performances during that weekend.
Harlem Fine Arts Show – New York, New York
The Harlem Fine Arts Show takes place every year in New York City’s Harlem district to exhibit modern and traditional Black artworks from artists nationwide. The exhibition and marketplace, organized by Harlem Fine Arts Show and Black visual artists, create economic exposure and collector access for Black artists. The exhibition takes place Feb. 20-22 to coincide with Black History Month and demonstrates New York City’s position as a worldwide Black cultural capital. The event offers general admission tickets while VIP preview options provide an exclusive experience for interested attendees.
Soul City Blues Festival Memphis
The Soul City Blues Festival takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, during mid-to-late February to honor the city’s contributions to Blues and Soul musical traditions. The festival presents Memphis-based music promoters alongside blues performers who demonstrate the city’s musical heritage and its impact on Black American cultural production, which started at Beale Street and reached global audiences. The city’s musical legacy is celebrated through this ticketed concert.
Black Joy Parade Oakland
The Black Joy Parade organizes an event with Bay Area community leaders, which takes place in Downtown Oakland, California, on Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m. The festival and parade honor Black excellence together with creative achievements and entrepreneurial success. The event includes a free public parade, a marketplace, and multiple performances. The city of Oakland serves as a major center for Black activism both politically and culturally, so this event uses joy to reshape historical narratives.
Edna Lewis Sunday Supper Bread & Butterfly Atlanta, Georgia
Bread & Butterfly restaurant in Inman Park, Atlanta, hosts Edna Lewis Sunday Supper to celebrate the legacy of Southern cook Edna Lewis. The multi-course, family-style dinner includes collaborative dishes, welcome cocktails, and a parting gift. Restaurant owner Demetrius Brown is a member of the chef collective Stolen Goods, which includes founder Max Hines, Justin Dixon and Cleophus Hethington, and several other Atlanta talents who specialize in blending Afro-Caribbean and Southern foodways. The dinner takes place on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Father Sentenced To 37 Years After Allowing Son To Drive In Deadly Crash That Killed 4
Under terms of a plea agreement Ferguson’s son, who was driving without a license at the time, will remain in juvenile custody until he reaches age 19.
A Florida father was convicted of manslaughter for a 2023 car crash that killed a grandmother and three children.
Richard Seymour Ferguson was sentenced this week to more than 37 years in prison for allowing his 15-year-old son to operate a vehicle without a driver’s license or permit. A judge ordered Ferguson to serve 444 months in prison, a term just over 37 years, after the jury found him guilty of manslaughter by culpable negligence. At 69 years old, Ferguson will presumably die in prison. The judge noted that the prison term, which is more than the minimum, was appropriate as Sabrina Hernandez lost her mother, Trinidad Hernandez, and three children: Mylie Cruz,1; Marvin Cruz, 9; and Anayari Hernandez, 11.
At his sentencing, Ferguson expressed deep regret and remorse for his actions, Fox 35 Orlando Bay reported.
“Each day is living in grief and regret, and in pain that knows no limit,” he said. “I am truly, deeply sorry for your loss…I know that the weight of my remorse can never compare to the weight of your pain.”
Yesterday, Richard Ferguson, 68, a central Florida father, was sentenced to 37 years in prison for his teen son’s crash that killed 4, including 3 children.
Ferguson allowed his then 15 year old son, who had no permit, to drive the family car. The son ran a stop sign and… pic.twitter.com/pJ9FvyAVud
While Ferguson’s remorse appears genuine, Hernandez believes his sentence is just as his life will continue after sentencing, but her mother and children are forever gone. In her victim impact statement, she vehemently lobbied for the maximum sentence.
“The tears that I just see up here, it’s just ridiculous. This man is still alive; your guys’ family is still alive. If you want to hug him, you can hug him. Guess what? If I want to hug my children, I have to hug a vase full of a pile of ashes that sit in my damn living room.”
The crash occurred on Sept. 3, 2023, when the teenager drove the family’s vehicle through a stop sign, driving between 76 -83MPH, and struck the vehicle carrying the Hernandez and Cruz family members. The teen and his three passengers were in a 30MPH speed zone.
Initially, Ferguson’s attorney had sought leniency by citing the defendant’s serious health conditions, including stage 4 prostate cancer. Hernandez sympathizes with Ferguson’s health conditions, but during his impact statement, he attempted to shift blame onto his son, stating that he intended to ride along with him but was distracted. The grieving mother of four found the excuse “cowardly.”
“I take no pity on this man. Am I sorry that he’s sick? I am. And I pray that the Lord comforts him in his bad health, I truly do,” she said. “And I pray that the Lord takes pity on this man, because it’s a pathetic excuse for a man to sit here with your head down and can’t even take accountability,” Hernandez said.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, Ferguson’s son, who was driving without a license at the time, will remain in juvenile custody until he reaches age 19.
Support for Trump’s Immigration Policies Hits Record Low, New Polling Shows
Trump’s approval rating on immigration is down from 39% in January and 50% just months after he returned to office.
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies were central to his reelection campaign in 2024. But new polling shows that the key immigration policies that pushed him into the White House for a second term have hit a record low.
Only 38% of Americans think Trump is doing a great job on immigration, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Trump’s approval rating on immigration is down from 39% in January and 50% just months after he returned to office, the poll indicates.
Trump campaigned on a promise to launch the biggest mass deportation operations and ordered sweeping immigration raids immediately after returning to office in January 2025. Immigration agents have clashed violently with protestors in Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago over their tactics. In Minnesota, two immigration agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in separate incidents, fueling protests nationwide.
Other polls show a decrease in support as well. A recent NBC News Decision Desk poll conducted from Jan. 27 to Feb. 6 found that 49% of Americans “strongly opposed” Trump’s handling of border security and immigration, which is up from 38% last summer.
An Economist/YouGov survey conducted around the same time found that 50% of Americans think Trump’s approach to immigration policy is “too harsh.”
Trump Losing Support Among Men On Immigration
The latest poll signals that Trump is losing support in a key voting bloc: men. Male voters were key to Trump’s 2024 victory, and according to Reuters, his approval rating on immigration stayed close to 50%. Male support has dropped to 41% on the issue. Among women, Trump’s support for immigration hovered around 40% throughout most of 2025, then dropped to 35% in the latest survey.
Following the shooting deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, the Trump administration agreed to end its deportation operations in Minnesota. Trump started his term with an overall 47% approval rating, but in recent weeks, he hit his lowest levels yet. Only 38% of respondents approve of his overall performance, which is unchanged from the Reuters/Ipsos Jan. 23 -25 poll.
Seattle Storm Hires Michigan Women’s Basketball General Manager Natalie Achonwa As Assistant Coach
The former WNBA player will finish out the current season before joining the Storm later this year
The WNBA’s Seattle Storm just announced the hiring of Michigan women’s basketball general manager and assistant coach, Natalie Achonwa. She will join the franchise for the upcoming 2026 season.
The Storm is also adding two other assistant coaches, Jarell Christian and Michael Joiner, to the sidelines alongside new head coach Sonia Raman, who was hired in November.
Achonwa will stay on staff at Michigan for the rest of the season before officially joining the Storm, completing her second season. Last year, she was the assistant coach for player development.
She is a former player who is a four-time Canadian Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024). She was also an assistant coach for Canada’s U19 World Cup team in 2025. After the Indiana Fever drafted her with the ninth overall pick in 2014, she played for the team from 2015 to 2020. After a stint overseas, she came back to play for the Minnesota Lynx from 2021 to 2023, before leaving the league to become a coach.
While playing in the WNBA, Achonwa was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2014 and was awarded the 2019 WNBA Community Assist Award and the 2020 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.
Maize N Brew has reported that Achonwa, in her coaching capacity, has helped Michigan to an impressive 22-4 overall record this season, with a 13-2 Big Ten Conference record. The basketball team is currently ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll, one of the highest in program history.
The media outlet also stated that in 2024, Achonwa was the inaugural recipient of the Alex Morgan Foundation’s “Coaching Moms Initiative,” which supports high-potential college coaches. The grant supports coaches by providing childcare funding assistance.
The WNBA season is in jeopardy of not starting by the May 8 season-opening date. The league and the players are at a stalemate in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.
Someone popped up on ABC’s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune that we didn’t expect on the bingo card this year. Miami-bred rapper, Rick Ross, appeared on the Jan. 16 episode of the game show, along with Kathy Hilton and Riki Lindhome.
The Maybach Music Mogul was on Season 6, Episode 10, where participants on the show played for charities that are near and dear to their hearts. All players get the chance to win up to $1 million to donate to their favorite charity. According to Wheel of Fortune with Andy Nguyen, Ross was playing to raise money for Fighting4Freedom. The Virginia-based organization, started by Karen Dickson-Morrison, helps incarcerated individuals who were allegedly incarcerated for crimes they did not commit or sentenced to unjust and harsh sentences.
Although the Stay Schemin rapper did not take home the grand prize, he raised $26,650, leaving with $41,150 for his charity of choice.
And speaking of Ross’ charitable work, since he bought a mansion in Fayette County, Georgia (“The Promise Land,” a 235-acre compound he bought from former boxer Evander Holyfield, where he hosts his car and bike shows annually), he has contributed to the community. The Georgia Senate has recently recognized him. Fayette County News reported that he was honored on Feb. 6.
“As State Senator for District 34, I want to acknowledge and thank him for his powerful contributions to music, hip hop, and the culture,” Sen. Kenya Wicks said. “His work has left an undeniable mark and continues to inspire communities across the country.”
The adoption of Senate Resolution 710, supported by 13 Georgia lawmakers, recognizes Ross’ entrepreneurship, community contributions, and cultural influence.
The rapper has been living in Fayette County since 2014.
Ross is slated to release his third book, Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening, on May 12.
The SAVE America Act Incites Concerns Over Disenfranchisement Of Married Women
The legislation, known as the SAVE America Act was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in early 2026.
The introduction of the SAVE America Act is causing concern amongst married women that the federal elections bill will jeopardize their right to vote.
H.R. 7296 is being introduced to tighten election securityand reduce voter fraud, an issue that has been of little concern over the years due to its low likelihood. However, many speculate that the bill will unintentionally affect American women who have changed their names after marriage.
The legislation, known as the SAVE America Act, also known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in early 2026. It now awaits further Senate consideration. It would amend the National Voter Registration Act, requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or similar certified documents, when registering to vote in federal elections.
The proposal could impose an additional financial and time-consuming burden on millions of Americans, specifically married women who changed their last name after marriage, because their current legal name no longer matches the name on their birth certificate or naturalization papers. These women may have to take additional measures to ensure their voices are heard at the polls. Because many Americans do not hold passports or updated documents listing their current name, advocates warn the law might force them to obtain additional paperwork. The added steps can potentially delay registration or create confusion at the polls.
An American passport is considered sufficient documentation for registration. However, according to LegalClarity, only 45% of the American populace possesses a passport. Republicans promoting the bill argue it would protect election integrity by preventing noncitizens from registering or voting. The need to tighten regulations seems unnecessary, even after Republicans, specifically the Trump administration, brought forth claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. Presenting more than 60 cases of alleged election fraud to federal courts, Trump was repeatedly shot down with both Republican and Democrat appointed judges citing insufficient evidence to back the claims, according to GovFacts.
Democrats and voting rights groups have expressed concern that this could disproportionately affect women, people living in rural communities, and voters without easy access to government offices.
Supporters of the SAVE America Act respond that the goal is to ensure only eligible citizens register and vote, and that states would have processes to help voters resolve name or documentation discrepancies. However, opponents caution that implementation could vary by state and potentially prevent eligible voters from registering or casting ballots if the documentation standard isn’t met. Dependent on the willingness of individual states to assist, the requirement may become a modern-day poll tax.
Temu Nigeria Is Under Investigation For Mishandled Customer Data
The NDPC notes the investigation focuses on potential breaches of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023.
On Feb. 17, the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) announced the probe into online shopping platform Temu.
The inquiry is due to concerns that Temu may be unlawfully handling personal information. Additionally, authorities suspect the company is engaging in opaque data processing and transferring user data out of the country without adequate safeguards.
Temu processes data for an estimated 12.7 million Nigerians, according to the NDPC. The organization noted the investigation focuses on potential breaches of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023. The commission said its preliminary review raised questions about online surveillance activities, accountability, data minimization, transparency, duty of care, and cross-border data transfers.
In a statement the NDPC’s head of legal enforcement said NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji had ordered the investigation to begin immediately.
“The NDPC National Commissioner/CEO … has ordered an immediate investigation of the data processing activities of Temu, which may be in violation of the NDP Act,” the statement read.
PRESS RELEASE NDPC Investigates Temu for Alleged Violation of Data Protection Act. pic.twitter.com/crtXbrBUD2
Temu, a Chinese-owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed PDD Holdings, has responded by reaffirming its commitment to data privacy and compliance.
In an email to The Punch, A Temu spokesperson stated, “At Temu, protecting user privacy and data security is a top priority. We are committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations in our data practices.”
The probe places Nigeria’s regulatory actions alongside other global jurisdictions scrutinizing Temu’s rapid expansion, especially around data practices. In recent years, regulators in Europe and Asia have raised similar issues about data transparency, data transfers, and user privacy involving large online platforms.
The NDPC investigation could lead to enforcement actions or penalties if the commission finds evidence of non-compliance with the NDP Act. According to Vanguard News, in 2025 the agency fined another major tech company fined Multichoice Nigeria, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, 766 million naira ($565,990) for breaching data-protection rules for data privacy violations.
This Ramadan, Here Are Ways Employers and Co-Workers Can Support Their Muslim Colleagues
These methods can help support Muslim workers as they abstain from food and drink during the day.
As Ramadan has begun for Muslims around the world, employers should understand how this holy month may affect colleagues observing it and how to support them.
Ramadan is a pillar of Islam that requires Muslims of mature age, usually at the start of puberty, to fast from sunrise to sunset for an entire new moon cycle. The fast involves abstaining from food and water, with this restraint practiced for 12 to 16 hours a day, depending on one’s location and time of year.
With this in mind, employers and coworkers can support Muslim employees through a variety of ways as they make their commitment to fast for the next month, as detailed byIng.org. This support could not only help their observing coworkers feel acknowledged and uplifted with their religious beliefs, but also provide new avenues for them to stay productive during the fast.
When possible, employers often allow for flexible work hours that accommodate the fasting times. As Muslims wake up before sunrise to eat suhoor, their pre-fasting meal, they ask to begin work around this time.
This shift adjustment also helps them end their workday before breaking their fast. For those working evening hours, granting an extended dinner break can allow Muslims to eat and recharge ahead of returning to their shifts.
During Ramadan, Muslims are especially encouraged and attentive to prayer times, which occur five times a day. Employers can also adjust break times to align with these prayers so that Muslim colleagues can perform their salats (prayers in Arabic) at the correct times.
The entire ritual usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes, so about the time of a standard work break. If possible, employers can also provide a clean, small room so that Muslims can do the prayer in a private space.
While Muslims are abstaining from food, a polite way to showcase one’s solidarity is to limit food-centered meetings for the next few weeks. Employers can also implement hybrid work options to help Muslims, as many often battle fatigue as they adjust to Ramadan.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are considered the most important, with a special night of prayer held during this time. Following these days, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. Offering certain days off will ensure Muslim colleagues can celebrate the end of an important month with family and fellow observers.
Most importantly, fostering a tolerant, inclusive work environment comes with understanding and recognizing these different celebrations. A kind gesture of “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Eid Kareem” can not only be a display of community but also ensure that Muslim employees feel seen and considered, especially at this special time of year.
Mortgage Rates Drop To Lowest In A Month As Refinancing Demand Climbs
This recent economic trend could help homeowners save money.
Are you considering refinancing your home? Now could be the perfect time since mortgage rates last week fell to their lowest level in about a month.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan amounts of $832,750 or less dropped to 6.17% from 6.21%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The decline led more borrowers to refinance their homes to save money. Refinance applications rose by 7% this week and are 132% higher than the same week last year.
“Mortgage applications rose last week as the lowest rates in four weeks helped to revive some refinance activity. Treasury yields ended the week lower as weaker data on retail sales and home sales outweighed better-than-expected readings on the job market for January,” Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist, said in a press release.
The average contract interest rate for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgages dropped to 5.99% from 6.01%, while points fell to 0.65 from 0.68 for 80% of loan-to-value (LTV) loans.
However, the rate decrease didn’t impact those looking to buy a home. Overall, mortgage applications dropped 3% this week, except for VA purchases, which increased by 4%. Although lower rates didn’t motivate many potential buyers, the rise in refinances boosted mortgage demand by 2.8% compared to the previous week.
The National Homeowners Association (NAR) reports that sales of previously owned homes in January experienced a larger-than-expected 8.4% decline from December. The drop marks the largest decline since February 2022. Experts cite consumer trust in the economy and housing supply as reasons for the decline. Mortgage rates didn’t change during this short holiday week, but data set for release later in the week may alter the current trajectory,CNBC reports. In general, however, mortgage rates have been hovering in a narrow range, between 6 and 6.25%, since the beginning of 2025.
