Whoopi Goldberg, Jeffrey Epstein, sex abuse — Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for FLC

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2026

‘I’m Getting Dragged’ Whoopi Goldberg Explains Her Appearance In The Epstein Files

Goldberg stressed the context of her May 2013 mention was unrelated to any relationship with Epstein.

Whoopi Goldberg is speaking up after her name was found among those mentioned in documents linked to the late convicted pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

On the Feb. 17 taping of The View, Goldberg took a moment to set the record straight for the sake of “transparency.” Thousands of documents have been provided by the Department of Justice, and, like other celebrities, Goldberg’s name appears.

Goldberg stressed the context of her May 2013 mention was unrelated to any relationship with Epstein. Instead, the inquiry sought to rent Epstein’s plane to attend Julian Lennon’s White Feather charity event.

“In the name of transparency, my name is in the files. Yes. And what does it say? It says, ‘Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco. John Lennon’s charity’ — it should say Julian Lennon’s charity — ‘is paying for it.'”

Along with clarifying the reason for her name being in the files, The View co-host stated emphatically, “I wasn’t his girlfriend, I wasn’t his friend.”

While some celebrities are intent upon staying silent when their names are discovered, Goldberg refuses. As the first Black EGOT winner in history, her artistic image is important to her. She refuses to be the subject of salacious internet fodder.

“I’m speaking about me because I’m getting dragged!” Goldberg said. “People actually believe I was with him. Honey, come on. Every man I’ve ever been with, you’ve known about.”

Co-host Sunny Hostin noted that in the document, Epstein appeared to decline the plane request,

Other co-hosts pointed out that many public figures are named in the Epstein files for reasons unrelated to a direct connection. Many are listed in third-party emails or professional overlap. The co-hosts insist that being in the documents alone does not prove involvement with Epstein’s crimes.

However, outspoken cohost Joy Behar did mention that some names appear an excessive number of times, suggesting those mentions are suspicious.

“Trump is on the list 38,000 times,” Behar said.

Daycare, Child — (Photo: Aniekan umoren/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 19, 2026

Private Daycares In California Losing Business After Gov. Newsom Expanded Free Preschool

Private preschools across California are facing financial strain as Gov. Newsom’s expansion of free preschool for all 4-year-olds reshapes the child care landscape.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to expand universal childcare in California is creating a mixed impact, giving more toddlers access to free preschool while leaving some private daycares struggling to stay afloat.

This school year was the start of the statewide rollout of free transitional kindergarten in California, AP News reported. Open to all 4-year-olds regardless of income, the new expansion is credited with helping families save thousands in child care costs while giving children an earlier start in school and access to services like special-education screenings.

But the expansion has come at a cost that’s disrupted the private child care market. A UC Berkeley report found that 167 preschools in Los Angeles County closed between 2020 and 2024, a decline researchers say is partly tied to the growth of the new public pre-K.

Last month, Shilpa Panech shut down Panache Enfants after 13 years of operating the San Ramon preschool, which served children ages 6 months to 6 years. After helping its 30 remaining families find new care, the closure permanently removed 72 licensed child care spots from Contra Costa County.

“Nobody gets into this industry necessarily to make money,” she said through tears. “We’re in it because we love the kids and their families.”

Panech has since transitioned into a second career as an elementary school teacher, giving her a firsthand look at the shift toward public early education. She said the transitional kindergarten classes and after-school programs she’s observed have been “fantastic.”

“I think this was wonderful,” she said. “I think this is something our country needs, our state needs. It’s important for families to be able to afford child care and to be able to go out and work. For private providers, I wish it would have been more gradual, I wish there would have been more opportunities.”

As Newsom prepares to leave office after two terms, he touted what he called “the most significant expansion of child care in America” during his January State of the State address. Over seven years, his administration has nearly tripled funding for early childhood programs, from about $5 billion in 2020 to more than $14 billion, creating 130,000 subsidized child care spaces and expanding benefits for providers.

The centerpiece of that effort is the statewide rollout of free transitional kindergarten, now available for the first time to all 4-year-olds regardless of income.

“If anyone doubted that the state was going to be able to stand up an entire TK program in five years, you would never know it from how smoothly it’s gone for us this year,” said Melissa Chen of San Jose, who along with her husband, was paying $1,800 a month for private day care before enrolling their son in transitional kindergarten.

While they still pay for after-school care, the cost is about a third of what they previously spent on preschool. But some providers say the shift has been devastating.

Frisha Moore, owner of Moore Learning Preschool & Child Care Center in Elk Grove, went from having a full waiting list to struggling to break even and now considers closing “every single day.” A shutdown would eliminate 91 licensed child care slots, including 20 for infants and toddlers, where options are already limited.

Private providers like Moore operate on thin margins, relying on older preschoolers to help offset the higher costs of infant care. With many 4-year-olds shifting to free public programs, enrollment has dropped, leaving her center about 40% full. Most families use low-income vouchers that don’t cover operating expenses, and rather than raise fees, she’s cut staff and combined classes to stay afloat, even as unpaid loans make closing difficult.

“This is like my second child,” she said.

Patricia Lozano of Early Edge California said the state needs to expand options for families while helping private providers stay open for younger children. Advocates are urging partnerships between school districts and private centers for extended care, along with increased funding for child care vouchers.

Vivica A Fox — photo credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2026

Vivica A. Fox And Shemar Moore Return To Genoa City On ‘Young And The Restless’

Vivica A. Fox and Shemar Moore are set to appear in April.

Actors Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are set to reprise their roles on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless.

Moore and Fox will take part in a special on-screen reunion to celebrate their characters’ original appearances. The duo first appeared in 1994 as Dr. Stephanie Simmons and Malcom Winters.

Though Fox left only a year later to pursue a thriving career in film, Moore stayed for over a decade, exiting the show in 2005. According to Deadline, both actors will reprise their original roles sometime in April.

This will be Fox’s first return to the legendary soap in more than 30 years. Moore has continued to visit the fictional Genoa City. His most poignant return was in 2019 after the death of cast member and series regular Kristoff St. John, who portrayed Moore’s half-brother, Neil Winters.

BREAKING NEWS / Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are returning to "The Young and the Restless" as Malcolm Winters and Dr. Stephanie Simmons, respectively, for a multi-episode arc set to begin airing in April. #YoungandRestless #YR https://t.co/yAPGtHRAct
— Errol Lewis (@ErrolLewis) February 17, 2026

In a press release, representatives for The Young and the Restless said the Winters and Simmons’ appearances are not a one-time engagement. They will be part of multi-episode arc will affect the trajectory of the current storyline.

Since each actor left the daytime grind, each has experienced success. Fox has been a staple in Hollywood for decades, leading multiple box office successes, including Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Independence Day alongside Will Smith. Moore has led multiple successful television shows, including the long-running Criminal Minds. Moore was on the show for 11 years until he became the lead for S.W.A.T., a Criminal Minds spin-off.

The Young and the Restless has outlasted many of its peers, including General Hospital, which was canceled in 2025. Moore and Fox’s return should inject new energy into the show. Their storyline is expected to explore new developments while honoring the characters’ history.

fearless fund — MASPETH, NY - NOVEMBER 17: Arian Simone speaks at Girlboss Rally NYC 2018 at Knockdown Center on November 17, 2018 in Maspeth, New York. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for Girlboss Rally NYC 2018)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2026

Fearless Fund Is Back, Taking Their Financial Backing To Women-Owned Businesses In Africa

The Fearless Fund has announced the launch of a new microfinance fund in Ghana.

Fearless Fund, the venture capital firm dedicated to supporting diverse women entrepreneurs, is back and reaching out to the Black diaspora.

Following the dismissal of their long-winded court battle over anti-DEI concerns, the Fearless Fund can continue to support women-owned businesses through venture capital funding. Prior to its legal roadblock, the fund had helped over 1,000 women founders raise capital and secure loans despite systemic barriers.

Now, they plan to scale up their efforts with the launch of a new microfinance fund in Ghana. The fund will bestow $100,000 in Ghanaian Cedis to women entrepreneurs through a pitch competition.

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The activation aims to reduce barriers toward wealth and success for women founders across Africa. Given the economic opportunities across many African countries, Fearless Fund hopes to tap into this sector, giving women a vital pillar of support while bringing their ambitions to life.

“Expanding our mission to Africa has always been central to closing the global wealth gap,” said Queen Wa Arian Simone, CEO and Founding Partner of Fearless Fund, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Africa represents one of the world’s most dynamic economic frontiers, powered by a booming youth population and relentless innovation. Our presence in Ghana ensures founders have the critical access to capital needed to build and scale. Fearless Fund is a beacon of what’s possible when women of color lead with vision and power.”

As for its start in Ghana, Fearless Fund seeks to build upon the nation’s vibrant women-owned businesses, helping them scale their operations to accrue greater profits. The fund will also allocate loans to these entrepreneurs, ranging from GHS 10,000 to GHS 30,000, to boost job creation and economic growth.

Since its resurgence, the Fearless Fund has reemphasized its commitment to its original mission, providing a financial resource for women of color as they explore their business ambitions. While the anti-DEI push threatened its legacy and ability to serve this underrepresented demographic, its legal win has granted them more agency to spark change in the finance world.

Fearless Fund already has its footprint visible on a global scale. Alongside startup investments and grants bestowed across Africa, the fund also partnered with TRACE Academia for a business education program for homegrown entrepreneurs.

Now, with further investment in Ghana, the Fund will continue growing its roots in West African. As the initiative gets off the ground, it provides new opportunity and resources for the women founders who shape the global economy.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 19, 2026

Benaree Pratt Wiley To Talk Power, Policy, And The Boardroom At The 2026 Women Of Power Summit

Veteran corporate director and trustee Benaree Pratt Wiley (Bennie) will bring more than 50 years of top-level business expertise to the 2026 Women of Power Summit.

Benaree “Bennie” Pratt Wiley’s career exemplifies leadership rooted in both strategy and purpose, making her appearance at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit especially fitting.

The veteran corporate director and trustee, who currently serves as director on the boards of the BNY Mellon Mutual Funds and CBIZ, is among the powerhouse speaker lineup at the 20th anniversary of the Women of Power Summit. Bennie brings over five decades of expert-level experience in business leadership and a reputation as a trusted voice in boardrooms where governance, risk, and long-term value creation matter most.

Building her career in entrepreneurship and management consulting, Bennie is best known for her 15-year tenure as president and CEO of The Partnership, Inc., where she helped strengthen Greater Boston’s pipeline for professionals of color. Her leadership supported more than 1,300 Black professionals and expanded access across 200 corporate partners. In 2023, she was appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

Her leadership across major institutions has placed her at the center of decisions shaping markets, investor protection, and corporate accountability. She has served as chair of PepsiCo’s African American Advisory Board and previously sat on the boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and First Albany. Her civic leadership includes board service with Dress for Success Boston, Spaulding Hospital, and the Black Economic Alliance, as well as her alma mater, Howard University, where she served as vice chair. In 2022, the National Association of Corporate Directors New England named Bennie its Nonprofit Director of the Year.

With deep experience in regulatory oversight, fiduciary governance, and organizational strategy, Bennie, whose sister Sharon Pratt Kelly served as the mayor of Washington, D.C. from 1991-1995, has become a highly sought-after advisor in high-stakes leadership spaces. Her honors include four honorary doctorates, induction into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Myra Kraft Leadership Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors, and Harvard Business School’s Distinguished Alumni Award from the African American Student Union.

She has also been featured on the cover of Boston magazine as one of the city’s most powerful women, profiled in a Harvard Business School case study, and, alongside her husband, honored with a playground dedication at the Crispus Attucks Children’s Center for two decades of service.

As one of the first Black women to graduate from Harvard Business School, Bennie’s legacy continues through her family’s work expanding economic opportunity in the Black community. Her son, Pratt, a corporate attorney and former National Director of Voter Expansion under President Obama, now serves as president and CEO of The Partnership, while her daughter, B.J., is a venture-backed entrepreneur and founder and CEO of SoHookd, an enterprise wellness platform. Together, Bennie and B.J. also made history as the first African American mother–daughter graduates of Harvard Business School, reflecting a multigenerational commitment to leadership, innovation, and impact.

As Bennie takes to the Women of Power stage, her five-decade career as a real-life woman of power comes full circle as her presence underscores the summit’s mission to bridge inspiration with access and show attendees what leadership looks like at the highest levels of corporate America.

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power 2026

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3 — (Photo: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2026

WNBPA Lowers Demands, Yet WNBA Remains Far From Deal For Upcoming Season

'The Players Association’s latest proposal remains unrealistic and would cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams,' the WNBA said.

Based on recent reports that the WNBPA has submitted a counterproposal to the WNBA’s latest offer, negotiations do not appear likely to result in a mutually agreeable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the near term.

According to The Associated Press, the union representing WNBA players lowered its demands on Feb. 17 to move both sides closer to agreeing on a contract that would satisfy both sides, as neither appears content with the current rate.

The league’s last offer guarantees players a maximum base salary of $1 million, starting this season, that could rise to $1.3 million through revenue sharing. The last CBA had a maximum cap of $249,000. Players would receive more than 70% of net revenue. That would be after all expenses are paid. Those expenses would include better amenities for players, such as upgraded facilities, charter flights, and five-star hotels.

The WNBPA has submitted a counterproposal requesting an average of 27.5% of gross revenue (revenue before expenses) over the life of the CBA, with 25% in the first year of the new deal.

The WNBA released a statement after receiving the counterproposal.

“The Players Association’s latest proposal remains unrealistic and would cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams,” the WNBA said. “We still need to complete two drafts and free agency before the start of training camp, and are running out of time. We believe the WNBA’s proposal would result in a huge win for current players and generations to come.”

If no deal is reached soon, it could delay the start of the 2026 season. The current stalemate has already delayed the expansion draft for the two new franchises coming into the league this season, Toronto and Portland.

Depending on the league’s salary cap increase, approximately 80% of players will be free agents this offseason, making it the largest opportunity for player movement in WNBA history. The longer it takes to close a deal, the less time there is to capitalize on sponsorships, television revenue, and fan support. The start date is slated for May 8.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave his thoughts during NBA All-Star Weekend about the negotiations.

“I’m encouraged there has been more back and forth over the past few weeks,” Silver said. “I think there’s been more direct engagement from players and team owners. I have not been at the table, but I’m very involved behind the scenes. I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done. But again, I think we need to now move toward the next level sense of urgency and not lose momentum in terms of the amazing amount of progress we’ve seen in women’s basketball.”

‘Sesame Street’ characters — Photo by The USO/flickr)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2026

Sesame Street Shows Off Natural Haircare Routines For Black History Month

The clip features a young Black girl artist as she embraces her natural hair texture.

Sesame Street is showing kids how to protect their natural hair this Black History Month.

The children’s program opted to show the history of Black hair in a new clip, detailing the diverse textures as a showcase of identity and pride. Child artist Savannah McConneaughey joined their song and dance as she put her curls and braids on display.

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The Abbott Elementary actress and the puppets began singing about the morning haircare routine known all too well by the Black community.

“Kinky, wavy, curly, straight, I love what I got,” sang the Sesame Street crew.

From a bonnet to reduce hair friction to the next stop of her “morning mission,” using a shower cap to keep it dry, the video gave an authentic recap of all the love and care put into natural Black girls’ hair. The video even featured McConneaughey using her own barrette set to adorn her braided hairstyle.

The video was made in partnership with Dove in honor of Black History Month. Upon releasing the video, Sesame Street explained the importance of highlighting Black hair during this celebratory occasion.

Hair is an important part of who we are. It helps us express ourselves, and can tell important stories about a person's culture and heritage. This #BlackHistoryMonth, join us as we explore the history behind several iconic hairstyles!

– Sponsored by @Dove pic.twitter.com/eN8IGaaKxI
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) February 9, 2026

“Hair is an important part of who we are. It helps us express ourselves and can tell important stories about a person’s culture and heritage. This #BlackHistoryMonth, join us as we explore the history behind several iconic hairstyles,” the program shared, via it’s X account.

They then detailed the background of several popular hairstyles, including Zulu (Bantu) knots, cornrows, and box braids. Each hairstyle also comes with its own historic relevance, ensuring kids understand the importance of Black culture, even beyond fashion.

Especially as Black people continue to suffer from hair discrimination, uplifting natural hair remains critical for further legislation to protect against such prejudices. As Black History Month honors the culture, heritage, and achievements of Black people across the diaspora, this latest initiative adds another avenue of celebration.

Aliko Dangote Joins The $30 Billion Club, First African To Do So — Investment Corporation of Dubai, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Mitti Hicks

February 19, 2026

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s Richest Man, Appoints Daughters, To Key Business Roles

Aliko Dangote is valued at $31.9 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him Africa's richest man.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has appointed his three daughters to senior leadership positions within the Dangote Group.

According to Business Insider Africa, Aliko Dangote’s oldest daughter, Halima Aliko Dangote, has been named group executive director at the Dangote Family Office & International Offices in Dubai and London. Halima is currently the group executive director at Dangote Industries Limited. In her new role, she will continue to oversee the development of the Dangote Family Office in Dubai and ensure that the company’s governance framework, organizational structure, and other key elements are fully established.

His second-oldest, Fatima Aliko Dangote, was previously the executive director, Commercial, at NASCON Allied Industries. She is now the group executive director of Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited. Fatima will oversee commercial strategy across business units, brand communications, and procurement and administration.

Dangote’s youngest daughter, Mariya Aliko Dangote, is transitioning from the executive director of Operations at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc to group executive director of Commercial Operations – Cement & Foods. Mariya will lead commercial strategy across cement and food operations. She will also be key in driving integration, market growth, and operational excellence.

What To Know About Dangote

Aliko Dangote is valued at $31.9 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him Africa’s richest man. According to Britannica, the Nigerian businessman and philanthropist was born into privilege. His mother, Mariya Sanusi Dantata, was the daughter of Alhaji Sanusi Dantata, a wealthy commodity trader.

Dangote obtained his wealth by shifting from trading commodities to manufacturing them. He has built the Dangote Group into Africa’s largest producer of cement, sugar, and flour. According to Bloomberg, Dangote Industries owns Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer in sub-Saharan Africa, and the continent’s largest oil refinery. The company also has interests in sugar, salt, oil, fertilizer, and packaged foods.

On Bloomberg’s billionaires list, Dangote is ranked the 75th-richest person in the world.

project 2025 — Photo by SeventyFour/Getty Images, small image (c)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 18, 2026

Florida Pastor Says It Was His Stepson’s Idea To Recant Abuse Allegations

McNutt's response to the public perception of his son's apology is sparking anger as opposed to settling the storm.

Florida pastor TD McNutt is speaking out after his 15-year-old stepson recanted his claims of physical abuse by the hands of the pastor.

McNutt was charged with felony cruelty and is attracting renewed public attention after a Facebook Live video showed the teenager publicly retracting allegations. The recent controversy centers on a live Facebook broadcast in which a person identified as McNutt’s teenage accuser stood between McNutt and the teen’s mother and apologized publicly for prior statements about police involvement and disrespect. Clips from the broadcast were widely shared across social media platforms.

McNutt responded to the backlash in a post on his personal Facebook page. However, his response is sparking anger as opposed to settling the storm. As the video begins, McNutt proclaims “glory to god” multiple times before apologizing for his son’s video recanting his story. He makes sure to tell the audience the video reversal was his son’s idea, yet he is sorry “for whatever it’s worth.”

“For all of the discomfort that you all have felt in the matter with my son, I deeply apologize. It was [his] idea. I guess the intensity I displayed, I deeply apologize. He is deeply cared for, he is loved in every way. For whatever it’s worth to you, I deeply apologize for how that made you feel, what you got from that,” he said.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office records, McNutt, leader of Transformation Empowerment Worship Center, was arrested on Dec. 3, 2025, Times Now reported. According to reports, the 15-year-old victim reported his alleged abuse to school authorities. McNutt was subsequently arrested then released on a $5,000 bond after his arrest.

In the teen’s video, he speaks to the social media audience and says he was “not being a good son” by reporting his alleged abuse.

“I apologize to everyone… for the disrespect… manipulation… lying on dad… not being a good son,” the boy says in the recording, flanked by McNutt and the boy’s biological mother, Carisha Irons.

It is unclear whether or not the investigation into McNutt will continue now that the young man has walked back his claims. Unfortunately, videos of disturbing interactions with McNutt and the teen have gone viral as well as his apology.

Sherrone Moore, Michigan football, Arrest — (Photo: Maize & Blue Nation, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2026

Judge Orders Hearing In Sherrone Moore Case Over Concerns Of Due Process Violations

A judge wants to hear more in the Sherrone Moore case over concerns the former University of Michigan football coach may have been denied due process.

A judge has approved a hearing in the case of Sherrone Moore, amid concerns the former University of Michigan football coach may have been denied due process.

On Feb. 17, Judge J. Cedric Simpson scheduled a March 2 hearing, raising concerns that a police detective failed to disclose Moore’s employer-employee relationship with the woman he’s accused of stalking when a magistrate approved an arrest warrant in December. Simpson said the hearing will examine how the investigation that led to the charges against Moore was handled, WWMT reports.

“Defendant’s due process may have been violated,” Simpson said, calling the lack of context a “glaring” omission.

Moore was arrested shortly after being fired amid scrutiny over his relationship with an executive assistant. He faces charges that include felony home invasion, stalking, and illegal entry after allegedly entering the woman’s apartment without permission and threatening self-harm. Investigators say he blamed her for losing one of college football’s top coaching jobs, while his attorney is now seeking to have the case dismissed.

The police report states that the executive assistant had not responded to Moore’s calls and messages for two days before his firing. Defense attorney Ellen Michaels argued that, given that Moore was preparing for a bowl game, the volume of calls and texts was reasonable.

“It’s not stalking if the communication has a legitimate purpose,” Michaels said.

Moore gained national attention as head coach of Michigan’s Wolverines football, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who left after a national championship run to coach the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. But that all came to a head when Moore was fired Dec. 10 over what the university called an inappropriate relationship and dishonesty during the investigation, with longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham later named as his replacement.

Moore is now fighting the charges in court, with his attorney accusing the woman’s legal team of sharing information with police to “villainize” him and strengthen a potential financial claim against the university.