by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Major Retailers Are Charging Shoppers Return Fees For Purchased Items

Companies' claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking.

Many major U.S. retailers are opting to charge fees for returned items this holiday season. Most in-person returns are still free, but as online shopping becomes increasingly popular, mailed returns come at a cost. The new shift in retail return policies could influence how customers shop and send back purchases.

JCPenney now charges $8 per returned package, and J.Crew charges $7.50, among other stores and online retailers that have introduced similar fees to offset the costs of processing returns. Retailers, including Zara, charge $4.95 per return request.

Many companies claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking. According to the National Retail Federation, “total returns for the retail industry are projected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025.” Charging a return fee for even a small fraction of the cost will yield a pretty penny for corporations.

Fees for mailed returns are now common, with many retailers deducting the charge from the total refund when an item is sent back by mail rather than returned in-store. While common, it is certainly inconvenient for those receiving gifts. The fees also present problems for customers who purchased low-priced items.

Free returns are becoming a thing of the past. Major retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Macy’s, JCPenney, and J.Crew are now charging return fees — with costs ranging from $7.50 to $11.99 per return.

Why the change?
Retailers are facing record-high return volumes, projected to… pic.twitter.com/bhvGqTAPsU
— Cerv (@CervKnowledge) December 15, 2025

The new return fees reflect the desire of retailers to maximize profit, even at the literal cost of the consumer. Lowering the costs associated with reverse logistics — the handling, inspection, and restocking of returned merchandise — in the age of online shopping is a prudent place to profit.

For shoppers, that means evaluating return policies before completing a purchase. Additionally, customers should consider alternatives such as in-store returns, which often avoid fees. Those hoping to save on return items will also be more selective before adding to the cart. A little more time will need to be spent evaluating items more likely to fit and meet expectations on first delivery.

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2025

Mount Vernon Cop On Dialysis Terminated Months Before Retirement, Ending Health Coverage

A Mount Vernon cop on dialysis is calling out the department for terminating him just months ahead of his retirement.

A Mount Vernon, New York, police officer with 19 years on the force is speaking out after receiving a termination notice just six months before retirement—a decision that jeopardizes his health benefits as he undergoes dialysis and waits for a kidney transplant.

Despite medical clearance to perform light-duty assignments at work, the department informed Derek Williams that he is unable to work and will be terminated on Dec. 31, ABC 7 NY reports. Williams, 45, shared his story alongside retired Mount Vernon officers who rallied in support of him.

A former member of the Elite Emergency Service Unit, Williams contracted COVID-19 in 2020 after months of working double shifts. Although doctors approved him for desk duty, the department classified his kidney failure as a non-job-related illness, denied his request for dialysis and accommodation, and halted his pay once he became too ill to work, leaving him just months short of qualifying for a reduced pension.

“I do nine hours of dialysis, seven days a week, to maintain my health. Without that, I wouldn’t survive,” Williams said.

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“Derek’s character caused him to come to work to support this city and the residents of this city during the worst pandemic that we’ve had,” said Shawn Harris, the former Mount Vernon police commissioner.

After receiving notice of his termination during the holiday season, Williams pleaded to keep his job, but his request was denied.

“I begged for my job back. I begged to come in whatever hours I’m capable of doing, and I was told there’s no light duty for me,” Williams said.

Williams is now speaking publicly as he awaits a decision on his application for a state disability pension while remaining on the kidney transplant waiting list.

“I just feel like they have no empathy, they have no compassion,” Williams said.

“To be blunt, if you’re terminating his employment, you’re terminating his life, in so many words,” Harris added.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Obama Presidential Center Installation Will Celebrate The Beauty Of Black Women

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building,

Artist Theaster Gates has been commissioned to create a major new artwork for the Obama Presidential Center, which centers on Black Women and Beauty.

Gates’s commission reflects his ongoing practice of elevating archives and everyday materials to celebrate Black cultural legacy. The artist and curator sources material from historical outlets such as the Johnson Publishing Company. The installations aim to add to the cultural and civic narrative of the nearly 20-acre campus set to open on Chicago’s South Side in spring 2026.

“The palette that I use is often materials that I find in the world. They carry so many stories. I’m often playing with photographs and archives to try to arrest all of these histories and bring them forward and make them interesting. It was amazing that I was tapped to create a permanent installation at the Obama Center. I was really proud. The project will pull from this wellspring of amazing historic Black images, particularly the Johnson Publishing Company’s archive. I will focus on Black women. And those will kind of demonstrate the ways in which Black folk have contributed to the political, social and economic fabric of our country,” Gates said in a promotional video by the Obama Foundation.

The long, two-part frieze will feature images printed on aluminum alloy and will be installed in the Forum Building’s interior space.

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building. The area is named in memory of the Chicago teenager who marched in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration parade before her death from gun violence.

The installation’s subjects focus on the power and resilience of everyday life, especially emphasizing Black women and collective labor. Its concept is part of the Obama Foundation’s mission to integrate art throughout the presidential center’s civic spaces. The Obama Presidential Center includes a museum, a library, an education and community space, and commemorates the presidency of Barack Obama.

Gates, a Chicago native and founder of the Rebuild Foundation, has long used art and architecture to highlight and preserve cultural heritage, including community-driven projects such as the Stony Island Arts Bank and Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative.

His commission for the presidential center furthers his commitment to bringing together art, history, and architecture.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 18, 2025

HBCU Grad Becomes First To Earn Mechatronics Engineering Degree At South Carolina State

Omar Shaheed III will now take his talents to Boeing to work on the 787 Dreamliner.

One HBCU graduate has made history with his degree in mechatronics engineering from South Carolina State University.

Omar Shaheed III began his career at the HBCU as the first student of the newly established program. The Berkeley High School graduate was encouraged to attend a historically Black University by his own chairman of the Department of Engineering Technology, Dr. Hasanul Basher.

Despite not knowing much about the profession, Shaheed still took a chance on the program. From then on, he learned about this evolving sector of engineering. According to a press release obtained by Afrotech, mechatronics engineering seeks to “design, test and manufacture smart systems in robotics, assistive technology, human-machine interaction, manufacturing and unmanned systems.”

A part of the school’s newfound College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation, Shaheed thrived in the program, scoring multiple internships throughout his matriculation.

He notably completed three internships at Boeing, working in various departments, from manufacturing to product engineering. The 23-year-old officially graduated from South Carolina State on Dec. 11, taking his teachings from the inaugural program with him.

He says the experiences shaped him for the career he is now embarking on with Boeing. He will join them again at their plant in Charleston, the home of their 787 Dreamliner aircraft production, according to their website.

“There [in Charleston] I clean up a lot of processes, but then I actually got to talk to the customers and get the different adjustments. Each 787 is a different plane… So I got to learn a lot about that,” Shaheed shared in the news release.

At the start of 2026, Shaheed will engage in a rotational role with the company. Operating on various parts of the Dreamliner’s production, Shaheed will lean on his South Carolina State education and direct background with Boeing.

He added, “All my internships have been in different areas because mechatronics is so versatile. So I’ve learned a lot.”

South Carolina State is already known as a pipeline for Black graduates in engineering, hosting the only Bachelor of Science program in nuclear engineering within the state and at an HBCU. Now, it has another feat under its belt as it continues to promote Black engineers in another capacity.

As the degree program’s first-ever graduate, Shaheed now serves as an inspiration to the next cohort of students wanting to dive into mechatronics. His historic graduation is a milestone for Black and HBCU graduates in engineering.

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by Jeffrey McKinney

December 17, 2025

Numerous Actions To Help Black Americans Build Wealth In 2026

A good foundation to building wealth in 2026 is examining what worked in prior years and enhancing that this year.

With 2026 nearly here, evaluating your financial status can be pivotal to ensuring your finances fuel wealth building.

The upside is that there are many actions you can apply to increase savings, protect investments, and reduce debt in the New Year. By starting now, you can see where you are in meeting your financial goals. Equally important, you can spot which adjustments are needed.

As such, you will be better positioned to handle an unexpected crisis such as job loss, large medical bills, or significant home repairs.

To help achieve financial stability, a good starting point is to review what has worked well in the past and enhance it this year. Do a thorough appraisal to set up doable goals.

Another key factor is to stay committed to reaching your milestones. Setting up a weekly or monthly checklist, frequently discussing the strategy with a financial adviser, or speaking with a family member or friend for accountability can help reveal whether you’re making progress. Stemming from BLACK ENTERPRISE research, the actions could consist of:

Consider a high-yield savings account

This could be favorable even with the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates. Be mindful that this should be done early in 2026 and not later in the year. The Fed’s rate cuts are made slowly and done in small doses. That could mean less impact on the higher rates this rare account typically pays its savers. And consider that with lower operating accounts, online savings platforms and fintech firms often pay more on these accounts than mainstream banks. And that is expected to continue.

Automate savings

This could be a good place to build up your savings, especially if you have payments deposited automatically regularly. By treating this account the same way you pay fixed costs like a mortgage, rent, or a car note, you can possibly grow your money seamlessly.

Construct a budget

Be proactive in checking where your money is going and pinpointing ways to cut unneeded expenses. Don’t forget it’s never too late to boost savings if that is not being done now. Be vigilant in cutting car loans, credit cards, student loans, and other debt you can.

Establish an emergency fund

Many people without this essential fund end up drawing money from checking or savings accounts, especially when something unforeseen or a disaster occurs. It’s recommended to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses built up to provide this assistance.

Fund 401(k) or IRA

These accounts allow you to save for retirement and lower your taxable income. Take a Roth account, for instance. While taxes are paid on contributions, your withdrawals are commonly not taxed in retirement.

Explore compound interest

This occurs when you earn interest on your original principal and on accumulated interest over time. High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, for example, can compound money. Generally, a higher return on investment results in your money adding up more quickly. Consider discussing compound interest with wealth managers and investment advisors.

Leverage new tax breaks

Legislation passed earlier this year provides numerous breaks that allow individuals to save money when filing 2025 taxes. One is a $6,000 bonus deduction for those 65 or older. Learn more here .

Look at other ways to boost income

Doing this can help you conquer financial snags. Spreading out your income can come from several sources, including starting a side hustle, freelancing, consulting, or part-time work. The extra cash can augment your primary income.

Examine investments

Make sure your wealth portfolio lines up with your investment risk tolerance, planning horizons, and financial pursuits. Consider investing across multiple asset classes, such as stocks, real estate, and fixed income, to mitigate risk. Reach out to investment experts to reallocate your holdings if needed based on market fluctuations.

Eliminate existing debt

This can be advantageous if you carry high-interest debt. For instance, pay off high-interest credit card debt first and make minimum payments on other debts. Consolidate credit card debt with a lower or 0% annual percentage for as long as possible to erase debt before interest charges.

RELATED CONTENT: Wealth Building Strategies

by Kandiss Edwards

December 17, 2025

Statue Of Teen Civil Rights Activist Barbara Rose Johns Unveiled At U.S. Capitol

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.

On Dec. 16, a new statue honoring civil rights pioneer Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol.

The statue of Johns replaces a long-standing monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The bronze figure of Johns was revealed in Emancipation Hall at a ceremony attended by national and state leaders, family members, and civil rights advocates. The Capitol ceremony, posted to YouTube, featured Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

“We are here to honor one of America’s true trailblazers, a woman who embodied the essence of the American spirit in her fight for liberty and justice and equal treatment under the law, the indomitable Barbara Rose Johns,” Johnson said during the event.

Gov. Youngkin celebrated the monument in a post on X, calling Johns’s contribution to Virginia an integral piece of the state’s history.

“Today we gathered in the Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol to dedicate the Barbara Rose Johns statue, to honor her legacy as a trailblazer, and ensure her story of courage and conscience is a story for generations to come. You can’t tell the story of Virginia, or the story of how our nation overcame segregation, without telling the story of Barbara Rose Johns,” he wrote.

Johns was 16 years old in 1951 when she led a student strike at R.R. Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest substandard and segregated school conditions. The students’ actions helped draw the attention of NAACP lawyers. The lawyers would file one of the five cases that the high court consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that “separate but equal” public schools were unconstitutional.

The statue depicts Johns holding a tattered book above her head and stands as one of Virginia’s two contributions to the National Statuary Hall Collection. It was created by sculptor Steven Weitzman and will be displayed in the Capitol Crypt.

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.

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by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

June Ambrose Named Global Ambassador And Creative Director Of Naturalizer

June Ambrose is fusing fashion and functionality in Naturalizer's newest footwear as the legendary brand's new creative director.

June Ambrose quickly bounced back following her exit from Puma, landing a creative director and global ambassador role at Naturalizer.

Dubbed Naturalizer Sport, Ambrose’s latest venture will launch with three capsule collections set for spring 2026, Hypebae reports. Believing that uncomfortable shoes are simply “rude,” the stylist and designer prioritized blending fashion with functionality, perfectly aligning with Naturalizer’s legacy as the first brand to craft shoes specifically for women’s feet in 1927.

“I created a collection that really feels like it’s for the future of how women want to go through the streets and through life,” Ambrose said during a walkthrough of a Naturalizer showroom.

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Renowned for decades of fashion innovation, Ambrose aimed to create a shoe line that combined the comfort of a sneaker with the elegance of a stiletto pump.

“When you think about sport and footwear, you think sneaker. I wanted to merge those two worlds with comfort first and fashion second,” she explained. “And I approached developing each shoe and style with a character in mind.”

Together, the duo designed stylish yet practical footwear, including lace-up pointed pumps inspired by classic trainers, chunky slip-on models, and sporty strappy flats.

“I wanted it to be multi-generational, multicultural, and be able to attract a consumer who wanted to dance in her pumps, who wanted her sneakers to feel like a fashion statement, and incorporating mesh and that foam cushion sole and last was very important to me,” Ambrose said.

With the new partnership, Ambrose aims to introduce Naturalizer to a new generation of trendsetters, bridging past and present while ushering in a new era of stylish, women-focused footwear.

“The foundation starts with a good pair of shoes. It could start at the top or the bottom,” she said. “Naturalizer was the first company to create a woman’s last (shoe form). There is intention in the DNA of the brand. They understand that a woman’s foot is not a man’s foot.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2025

What’s Going On With NBA’s Gambling Scandal?

Chauncey Billups and Rozier have both pleaded not guilty to all charges

With Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups (currently on unpaid leave) and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier (also not playing, nor getting paid) having been arrested after allegedly being embroiled in an illegal gambling scheme, one Wall Street Journal writer feels that Billups won’t go to jail. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the scandal for the first time since both men were arrested, and what he may do for the Heat since the scandal has removed Rozier from the roster until the situation plays itself out.

The Wall Street Journal‘s Jonathan Shapiro recently wrote that Billups will walk away from the case without going to prison. With the belief that Billups and maybe even Rozier were included in the indictments for publicity purposes. It was also reported that the mafia was involved in the scheme to bilk players. Allegedly using “insider” information from people like Billups, Rozier, and others about NBA players’ status, the info was used to hedge bets. That was one of the schemes alleged.

Both men, among others, were accused of partaking in illegal sports betting and rigged poker games.

Stating that he “used to prosecute federal gambling cases,” Shapiro believes that “none of the Brooklyn cases ever get to trial.”

According to The Associated Press, Silver told reporters he is considering offering the Heat some form of “satisfactory relief” because Rozier is not eligible to play, as no one knows how the case will turn out.

“This is an unprecedented situation,” Silver said.

Since Rozier is technically still on the team’s roster, any financial moves or roster changes that rely on the Heat’s salary structure (based on Rozier’s salary amount) will affect the team.

“We’re going to try to work something through, work this out with them,” Silver said. “But there’s no obvious solution here. I would just say that there’s no doubt at the moment they have a player that can’t perform services for them. … Obviously, he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet, either — but this is an unfortunate circumstance. Sometimes there’s these unique events, and maybe sometimes they require a unique solution.”

Both Billups and Rozier have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

Mother Speaks Out After Son Taken By DHS Is Assaulted In Foster Care ‘My Child Is Not Protected’

A mother whose teenage son was removed from her home by DHS says he has been abused while in the agency’s care.

A mother in Oklahoma is speaking out, sharing a harrowing video of her son after he was assaulted in the foster care facility where he was placed following an incident in which she recorded him throwing rocks at her car.

A now-viral video captures the moment Chaquilla Ta’junea’s teenage son hurled rocks at her car as she and his three younger children cried inside. Ta’junea later wrote on Facebook, in a post shared by The Neighborhood Talk, that the incident was the final straw that led to her son’s removal from her home.

“This is why my son is out of my home,” she wrote. “Multiple episodes like this, and I have 3 younger kids, which you can hear them screaming in the video.”

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Ta’junea later confirmed that after reporting the incident, her son was taken into custody by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), stressing that no abuse or neglect occurred and that he is “just a child who needs help.”

“I’m just a mother working on trying to help my child, regardless if it’s with me or family,” she wrote. “My son is not being protected under DHS custody.”

Days later, Ta’junea shared a follow-up video showing her son bruised and bloodied during a video call, where he apologized and begged to come home after allegedly being physically assaulted at the DHS facility where he was placed. In the clip, she says she is documenting his injuries “in case anything happens” while he remains in state care, and that she is urgently working to have him removed from the foster placement and returned to safety.

“Dis is what DHS allow to go on in foster homes. My child is not protected at all,” she wrote in a post shared online.

Under Oklahoma law, once DHS takes custody of a child, the state assumes full responsibility for that child’s safety, stability, and well-being. Child welfare planning is guided by three core principles: safety, permanency, and overall well-being. Advocates have long raised concerns that older youth in DHS custody are especially vulnerable and often overlooked. Anyone with information or concerns about a child’s safety is urged to report it immediately to both DHS and local law enforcement.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 17, 2025

Dionne Warwick Sued For Allegedly Trying To ‘Walk On By’ Paying Artists Rights Firm

Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation says it is entitled to ongoing payments under a long-standing agreement with Warwick.

Music legend Dionne Warwick is being sued by a royalty management firm that claims it is owed a share of proceeds connected to the use of her song “Walk On By” in Doja Cat’s hit “Paint the Town Red.”

On Dec. 15, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation. The company alleges it negotiated the sample deal that allowed Doja Cat to use Warwick’s 1964 recording. The company says it is entitled to ongoing payments under a long-standing agreement with Warwick, Billboard reported.

According to the complaint cited by the outlet, Warwick entered into an agreement with Artists Rights in 2002, under which the company would enforce and license her rights. In exchange, Warwick would split 50% of recovered royalties and settlements. The lawsuit states that the agreement applied “in perpetuity.”

Artists Rights alleges that it played a central role in securing compensation related to “Paint the Town Red,” which heavily samples “Walk On By.” The firm stated that it “provided resources and assistance to Warwick for decades at no cost to her so that she could obtain fair compensation for her vast body of work, which she had not been receiving.”

Dionne Warwick Sued by Rights Firm Over Doja Cat Sample Deal Fees: ‘Trying to Evade Paying’https://t.co/2fxuLn11Ia
— billboard (@billboard) December 16, 2025

The complaint further alleges that Warwick later attempted to terminate the agreement and instructed music companies to send royalty payments directly to her rather than to Artists Rights.

“After decades of service, Ms. Warwick is now trying to evade paying Artists Rights hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit claims Artists Rights’ enforcement efforts increased Warwick’s royalty income by “approximately sixtyfold.” Artists Rights firm is seeking damages, interest, and a court declaration affirming its right to continued payments from Warwick.

Pitchfork reported that neither Doja Cat nor her record label is named as a defendant in the case. Representatives for Warwick did not respond to requests for comment from the outlet at the time of publication.

According to Billboard, the lawsuit adds to broader industry scrutiny around legacy artist contracts and how older agreements are interpreted as catalog recordings generate new revenue through sampling and streaming.