proud Boys, Philadelphia,, Mark Anthony Tucci,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 2, 2025

Alleged Proud Boys Member Admits to Racist, Violent Threats Against Black Philly Residents

Alleged Proud Boys member in Philadelphia admits to tormenting Black residents with racist, violent threats.

A Philadelphia man and alleged Proud Boys member has pleaded guilty to making racist, violent threats against Black City of Philadelphia employees and a Black motorist.

The Department of Justice reported that Mark Anthony Tucci, 44, pleaded guilty on Aug. 21 to multiple federal charges for making racist, violent threats against Black residents and city employees. Appearing before U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh, Tucci admitted to counts including threats with a dangerous weapon, cyberstalking, and interfering with federally protected rights.

Tucci’s guilty plea follows his January arrest, stemming from multiple incidents in which he targeted and threatened Black residents. Reports indicate a June 2024 incident where he threatened to go to a city agency and “hurt everyone,” obtained a Black employee’s home address, repeatedly used racial slurs, and claimed affiliation with the white nationalist group, the Proud Boys.

According to the criminal complaint, the agency employee who received Tucci’s texts “feared that Tucci would find them and seriously injure or kill them or their family.” As a result, the employee began carrying mace and changed their routines for months, out of fear that Tucci might be following them.

In a separate incident, Tucci drove alongside a Black female motorist in heavy traffic on Interstate 95 in Northeast Philadelphia, shouting racist threats at her.

“I’m going to kill you [racial expletive]! I’m going to shoot you!” Tucci said before throwing a glass mug that dented her car.

Following his arrest, investigators discovered a PDF of “The Great Replacement” on Tucci’s iCloud account, the 74-page manifesto by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people and injured dozens at two New Zealand mosques in 2019.

The prosecution’s guilty plea memorandum also said investigators located “videos celebrating white supremacist accelerationism and Neo-Nazism, including multiple videos celebrating Nazi salutes and Hitler; racist images and memes; and songs from a white supremacist rapper that include numerous references to [killing Black people] and creating an all-white society.”

Following the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced plans to pursue hate crime charges against Tucci, which is being supported by the Philadelphia chapter of Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia).

“We commend federal prosecutors for recognizing the hate-fueled nature of these threats and bringing the appropriate hate crime charges,” CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said. “No one should live in fear because of the color of their skin or face threats aimed at silencing them.”

women's wrestling, Delaware State University,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 2, 2025

Delaware State University Secures $750K Grant To Revolutionize STEM Teaching

The opportunity will bring more resources and educators in STEM to the HBCU.

Delaware State University is already off to a great school year with its latest grant.

The HBCU has received nearly $750k in a STEM teaching grant to bring more qualified educators to campus. DSU announced the news on Aug.29, confirming their lofty award of $749,968 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Track 1 Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant.

The scholarship grant will support teachers as they build students’ interest in STEM, no matter their background or initial expertise. With this funding, DSU will provide more opportunities for its diverse student body to explore academic pathways in technology, engineering, mathematics, and the sciences.

Not only will this funding bring these esteemed educators to the Dover-based institution, but it will also allow the HBCU to yield greater resources and opportunities to further students’ education. The grant’s principal investigator, Dr. Tina Mitchell, spoke about this funding’s alignment with Delaware State’s mission to produce the next generation of leaders in these fields.

“This award aligns with Delaware State University’s commitment to preparing STEM educators through experiential learning opportunities, a rich curriculum, and innovative teaching practices, as outlined in its strategic plan,” Dr. Mitchell said. “By providing scholarships to Noyce Scholars, we are not only investing in our future teachers, but we are also investing in the students and communities they will serve.”

Mitchell serves as the Associate Professor and Program Director of DSU’s Graduate Education Programs. Her co-Principal Investigators include professors from various science and math-based departments, including Dr. Robert Marsteller, the Assistant Professor of Education; Dr. Delayne Johnson, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education; and Dr. Erin Perchiniak, an Associate Professor of Biology.

This grant will help sustain another pipeline of STEM scholars from HBCUs. According to the UNCF, Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) account for 25% of Black college graduates who majored in STEM fields. However, Black employees in STEM fail to see representation in the workforce comparable to their white counterparts, with the 2024 Black Students and STEM Report finding that exposure gaps lead to this disproportionate employment.

Through this grant, DSU aims to combat these barriers with mentorships, scholarships, and hands-on opportunities that will lead to futures in STEM outside the classroom. Particularly, the Noyce Scholarship Program specifically addresses the lack of STEM careers by helping these graduates become K through 12 educators in the field.

“The program plays a pivotal role in addressing the nationwide shortage of STEM educators, particularly in opportunity-rich school districts, like our district partners for the grant, Early College School at DSU and Capital School District,” said Dr. Shelly Rouser, DSU Education Department Chair.

Now, Delaware State will also foster new partnerships with local grade schools in the Dover area to ensure that children of all ages are exposed to the growing careers in STEM.

Love Island, rodeo,Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo, Taylor Williams

by Kandiss Edwards

September 2, 2025

‘Love Island’ Cast Member Hospitalized After Mishap At Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo

Love Island USA participant, Taylor Williams is recovering after being thrown from a horse during the Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo.

Love Island USA participant, Taylor Williams, is recovering after being thrown from a horse and trampled during the Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo Aug. 30.

A TikTok video circulated online shows Williams and his horse falling in front of the crowd. The horse appeared to roll over Williams before officials rushed to assist. Footage captured the harrowing moment as Williams lay motionless until help arrived.

Williams later took to Instagram to reassure his followers, “Preciate all the love! I’m all good,” he wrote. “Was in a horse accident last night, but I’m still pulling up tonight, injured and all,” he said, noting he intended to attend his brother’s birthday celebration despite his injuries.

@jermiaya20
#loveisland #taylor
♬ Halftime (Stand Up & Get Crunk!) Feat. Homebwoi – Ying Yang Twins

Known for introducing himself as a cowboy and veterinary student on Love Island, Williams has celebrated his cowboy heritage.

Fellow castmates and friends rallied with messages of support. Love Island co-star Jaylen Brown read, “sending all my prayers and positive vibes,” to which Williams replied, “Preciate it dawg.”

Despite the severity of the fall, Williams’s recovery was seemingly swift. He was released from the hospital the following day and appeared at his brother’s birthday event.

Williams, an Oklahoma native, veterinary student, and self-described cowboy, appeared on Love Island USA in 2025. He quickly gained attention for his adventurous spirit, charismatic personality, and relationship with model Olandria Carthen. On the show, he was known for his willingness to take risks, both in challenges and in pursuing romantic connections with fellow Islanders.

The love triangle between him, Carthern, and his current flame, Clarke Carraway, became a central storyline for the Peacock game show. While some fans were upset by Williiam’s decision to pursue Carraway, many appreciated his willingness to explore. William’s combination of cowboy charm and humor earned him a dedicated fan following. A following that will ride with him to the rodeo and beyond.

FBII, Hillsborough County Sheriff, Deputy, Alexandra Collins, wife, cheating, Anthony Collins

by Mary Spiller

September 2, 2025

Hillsborough County Deputy Quits After His Own Wife Exposes Alleged FBI Academy Cheating Scandal

Anthony Collins explained his departure by stating, "I didn’t want my personal life to bring unwarranted distractions to the workplace.”

A top deputy in the Hillsborough, Florida County Sheriff’s Office abruptly resigned in July after his wife accused him of cheating in an elite FBI leadership program. The charge has derailed his fast-rising law enforcement career. Anthony Collins, 41, had been considered a strong contender to succeed current Sheriff Chad Chronister one day.

Earlier this year, Chronister promoted Collins to chief deputy of support operations — the agency’s third-highest rank — making him the highest-ranking Black officer in the department’s 180-year history.

That trajectory shifted when Alexandra Collins sent an early morning email to more than two dozen law enforcement officials, including some of her husband’s colleagues, alleging “a serious incident of academic dishonesty.” She wrote that she felt an ethical duty to report his misconduct after he moved out of their home during marital turmoil.

“This behavior not only violates the standards of academic integrity set by the FBI Academy,” her message read, “but also undermines the professionalism and ethical expectations of all law enforcement personnel.”

In her email, Alexandra Collins included screenshots showing exchanges between her husband and Robert Roush, an acquaintance she described as someone who previously wrote papers for him. The images showed Collins forwarding FBI National Academy class materials and login information, followed by replies from Roush providing essays and summaries.

One message from Roush read: “Here is our paper. It meets the guidelines and requirements without focusing too much on the personal.”

Sheriff Chronister said he personally confronted former deputy Collins, who admitted “about half” of his coursework was completed by someone else. “I’m heartbroken,” Chronister told The Tampa Bay Times. “I had high expectations of Anthony and his future impacts on the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. I’m devastated.”

The sheriff said the admission would have led to Collins’ termination and likely added him to the Brady list — a record of officers with credibility issues that Chronister called “a death sentence in law enforcement.”

Collins denied wrongdoing. In a statement to The Times, he said, “At no point did anyone write papers or complete assignments on my behalf. Any assistance I received was limited to proofreading and formatting support similar to the professional editing help that many executives and students use.”

Roush also rejected the notion that he wrote papers for Collins, describing his role as tutoring rather than ghostwriting.

“If we did anything incorrectly, it was me accessing his classwork to look at his syllabus,” Roush said. “There was no ill intent at all.”

Alexandra’s email also alleged an extramarital affair and a domestic incident involving one of their children, though investigators found those claims unsubstantiated. The academic dishonesty accusation, however, triggered an internal inquiry that ended only when Collins resigned four days later.

In an officewide email announcing his departure, Collins said the decision was “purely personal” and made “after deep reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my loved ones.”

He added: “I have worked at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years and I hold the integrity of the office, Sheriff Chronister, and all my co-workers in high regard. As such, I didn’t want my personal life to bring unwarranted distractions to the workplace.”

The FBI was informed of the allegations but has not indicated whether it will pursue action. The internal sheriff’s investigation ended with Collins’ resignation, and investigators never interviewed Roush before the case closed.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 2, 2025

Black Queens Forever! Naomi Osaka Defeats Coco Gauff At US Open, And It’s Still All Love

Naomi Osaka scores another US Open victory over Coco Gauff.

Naomi Osaka is celebrating her latest U.S. Open win over Coco Gauff, after watching her comrade dominate the court while she was on maternity leave.

The tennis star is being applauded for delivering her sharpest performance since returning from maternity leave, dominating Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in their highly anticipated fourth-round clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sept. 1, The Guardian reported.

NEW YORK (AP) — Naomi Osaka eliminates Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 at the U.S. Open to reach her first major quarterfinal since 2021.

pic.twitter.com/5iSgY7GI7r
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 1, 2025

After the match, Osaka gave a subtle nod to Gauff while recalling how she watched Gauff compete while on maternity leave during the 2023 US Open.

“I’m a little sensitive, and I don’t want to cry, but I had so much fun out here. I was in the stands 2 months after I gave birth to my daughter, watching Coco,” Osaka shared. “I really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play. This is my favorite court in the world. It means so much to me to be back here. I wanna say a big thank you to my team. We’ve kinda been through a lot. It hasn’t always been easy. They’ve been by my side. Thank you, guys. Love you”

Naomi Osaka after beating Coco Gauff at the U.S. Open

“I’m a little sensitive and I don’t want to cry but I had so much fun out here. I was in the stands 2 months after I gave birth to my daughter watching Coco.. I really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play. This is… pic.twitter.com/sowO9pS239
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 1, 2025

The gesture echoed Osaka’s 2019 U.S. Open win over a then-15-year-old Gauff, who became emotional after her debut loss in Ashe Stadium. In a memorable show of empathy, Osaka invited Gauff to join her for the on-court interview.

“She told me that I did amazing and good luck. And then she asked if I could do an on-court interview with her,” Guaff told the reporter through tears after being asked to share what Osaka had told her after the match.

“I said no, because I knew I was going to cry the whole time, but she encouraged me to do it.”

Naomi Osaka beat Coco Gauff 6-3 6-0 at the 2019 US Open, back when Coco was 15 and making her Ashe debut.

Coco was left in tears, and Naomi told her she did amazing, offering her to do the on-court interview alongside her.

Six years on, they meet again ❤️pic.twitter.com/UzaOXpcHFp
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 30, 2025

As for her latest loss to Osaka, Gauff admitted she was “disappointed” and even “broke down” with her team afterward, but she’s choosing to stay positive, focusing on the lessons learned and areas for growth.

“I think that trying to be more positive. After the match, I was really disappointed,” Gauff said. “Kind of broke down to my team. Then, hearing their perspectives and everything, it definitely is a lot of positive things. I think if I kept the way I was going in Cincinnati to here, I would have been out in the first round. So I think where my serve started from the start of the tournament to today was a big improvement.”

Osaka’s victory over Gauff secured her spot in the quarterfinals, where she’s set to face Karolína Muchová.

fatal car crash, sentencing, Richard Ferguson, Florida

by Mary Spiller

September 2, 2025

White Texas Man Sentenced To 40 years In Prison For Racially Charged Murder Of Black Father

Simmons opened fired 30 rounds from a rifle on Rogers’ home back in December 2020.

A Texas man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2020 murder of Melvin Ray Rogers Jr., a crime prosecutors say stemmed from a racially charged dispute. On August 21, Madison Meazell Simmons, now 21, pleaded guilty to killing Rogers after harboring a months-long grudge.

According to KTRE-9, prosecutors said Simmons, then a 17-year-old Texas native, opened fire on Rogers’ Nacogdoches home in December 2020, shooting 30 rounds from a 5.56 mm rifle. Several bullets struck and killed the 40-year-old father in his garage.

Authorities linked Simmons to the crime after recovering the rifle during a separate investigation and matching it to the shell casings found at the scene. Simmons’ home was searched on the authority of a warrant for an unrelated case, leading forensic technicians to determine that the discovered rounds “were shot from the same weapon” that killed Rogers.

He was arrested in February 2021 during a traffic stop and charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors said the killing stemmed from an earlier confrontation in which Simmons allegedly called Rogers a racial slur and Rogers slapped him.

“Madison still held a grudge,” the arrest affidavit stated.

Simmons’ trial began on August 19. As jury deliberations started, state prosecutors and Rogers’ family agreed to offer Simmons a 40-year sentence, which he accepted.

“We are so very grateful to the family of the victim in this case,” Nacogdoches County District Attorney Andrew Jones said. “They have been beyond patient and understanding. Thanks to the Nacogdoches Police Department for their hard work on this investigation. It was a complicated case with a lot of digital evidence. And I know both sides are grateful to the jury for their service and for sitting and listening to the evidence.”

A GoFundMe page created for Rogers’ funeral expenses described him as a man remembered for his “sweet disposition, his smile, and overall kindness.” The fundraiser has collected nearly $5,000 in donations.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 2, 2025

FAMU Will Move Forward With Nursing Grant Proposal

Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a request to apply for a $375,000 grant to fund its nursing program.

Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a request to apply for a $375,000 grant for its nursing program.

The HBCU is requesting the LINKING Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund to help expand its nursing program in partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare, as outlined in the proposal.

The proposal has a Sept. 1 deadline and outlines a comprehensive plan for the funds. The university requests $300,000 dedicated to scholarships for students in the School of Nursing—an additional $55,000 to support faculty development and $20,000 for student leadership opportunities. The opportunities include professional development for students at national nursing conferences. The funding would be used as a supplement to HCA’s current contributions to FAMU. This provides access to clinical rotations at its Tallahassee-area facilities.

This grant request comes as the demand for trained nurses in Florida continues to rise. According to the Florida Hospital Association, there were over “16,000 nursing vacancies” in 2024, and the turnover rate was in double digits at 17.6%.

In an attempt to fulfill the need, the LINE Fund incentivizes collaborations between nursing schools and healthcare providers. FAMU’s School of Nursing has steadily improved its ability to improve student outcomes. The HBCU has raised its NCLEX pass rate by over 10%. Ninety-three percent of FAMU’s nursing students pass the NCLEX, well above the 75% state threshold. The number has risen from 82% the previous academic year.

The program combines financial support, mentorship, and leadership training. The new funding aims to expand these elements, enrich instruction through faculty workshops and certifications, and increase clinical placement options through partnerships with HCA.

FAMU is not the only school in the state pursuing LINE funding. Florida State University’s trustees are slated to consider their own nursing grant proposal.

The outcome of FAMU’s application could provide critical resources to support student retention, faculty development, and clinical training. All investments in the nursing programs would only help to bolster the state’s healthcare workforce and sustain FAMU’s legacy in preparing future nurses.

West Indian Day Parade, Brooklyn, Labor Day

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 2, 2025

Carnival Chaos: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade Marred by Violence, 7 Injured

The incidents took place on Sept. 1

Six people were reportedly shot, while another person was slashed after the celebration of Caribbean culture at the West Indian Day Parade, which took place along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York.

According to Fox 5 NY, four separate acts of violence led to the shootings and slashing on Labor Day, Sept. 1. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed that the incidents took place between late afternoon and early evening when the parade was winding down as people were leaving the Crown Heights section of the borough.

The violent incidents took place between 5:35 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. The first incident involved a woman in her 40s, who was grazed by a bullet in the lower back, and a man in his 20s who was hit by a bullet in the leg. Both victims were admitted to Kings County Hospital and were listed in stable condition. Barely 40 minutes later, at around 6:12 p.m., a man was slashed with an unidentified cutting instrument. He suffered multiple injuries and refused medical attention, and officials stated that he was uncooperative with investigators.

At 6:46 p.m., two other men were shot in the shoulder. One of the victims was taken to Kings County Hospital, while the other man got to the hospital on his own. Both were listed in stable condition. Less than 10 minutes later, a 53-year-old man was shot in the neck and leg, and a 40-year-old woman was shot in the ankle. He was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, while the woman arrived at the same hospital by private means, where she was listed in stable condition.

Names of the victims were not released as the investigation is ongoing. No one has been arrested for any of the crimes.

Newsweek reported that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the thousands of officers deployed along the nearly 2-mile route were the largest security deployment of the year, surpassing the total number of police officers assigned to Times Square on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July celebration on the East River.

Wendy Williams, Guardian, Manhattan Penthouse

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 2, 2025

Wendy Williams Won’t Return To TV Hosting, But Hints At Possible Tour To Speak Out Against Guardianship

Williams will probably not grace the small screen, instead opting for a stage to speak out against her guardianship.

The days of Wendy Williams gracing daytime television are probably over, but that doesn’t mean the former talk show host won’t make a comeback in her own way.

Page Six reported that Williams has no desire to host another talk show. Instead, she wants to use her platform to speak out on a cause close to her heart: adult guardianships.

Since the decline of her health, Williams has been under what she deems as “abusive” guardianship. The arrangement controls her actions and finances, a move that doesn’t sit well with the media personality.

Her attorney, Joe Tacopina, told “Extra” about her fight to get out of the “despicable” situation. He emphasized her new mission to expose the unjust guardianship that plagues many people, including herself.

“It’s just so unjust, and quite despicable,” Tacopina said. “What she said to me… more than once, is, ‘Joe, I wish I weren’t in this situation… but if someone is going to be in this situation, better me with a platform so that I can expose the system.’

Tacopina added, “She said that if it was going to be somebody, she’s happy it’s her. Because hopefully it will put an end to what she calls abuse.”

However, she plans to do so in a way that won’t be on the small screen. Williams would prefer to hit the road on a tour, going on stage for a speaking engagement to discuss her journey.

“It’s just an idea, but she thinks it’s important. She wants to maybe do panels, and help facilitate it and [talk about how] to protect families from guardianships. She wants to talk about how to get out of it, and all of the red flags,” another source told Page Six.

Tacopina has also denied the reports about her declining mental health, which include results of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, stating it is internet fodder fueled by those over the guardianship. The power attorney also said that they are willing to take the case to trial if a judge does not rule in their favor.

“Clearly [Williams’ guardian was involved]. People can tippy-toe around it. They won’t say it. No one has seen this report yet. Not even Wendy…Not us. Not her guardianship attorneys,” he continued.

Williams has also increased her public appearances in an effort to demonstrate that she is mentally fit to manage her own life. As she continues to reclaim her spotlight, she hopes the efforts will ultimately lead to her freedom.

by Daniel Johnson

September 2, 2025

Wells Fargo Quietly Removes Page Detailing Its Long History Of Diversity

Throughout the year, Wells Fargo has appeared to methodically cleanse its website of references to diversity.

Wells Fargo has become the latest company to remove or rebrand its public-facing language concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion, as an analysis conducted by HR Brew determined that the company has completely removed all diversity language from its website.

According to Fortune, the move from the bank follows an announcement in February that its hiring managers no longer needed to consider a diverse slate of candidates. Although that appeared at the time to be the only major change to its broader DEI policies, on Aug. 15, protestors demanded that the company reinstate that policy in addition to its environmental commitments.

Wells Fargo discretely deleted its DEI page detailing a long history of diversity and inclusion work dating back to the early 1800s The company’s website now refers to the program as “inclusion and accessibility” and features a host of other changes pic.twitter.com/kXh1VMOzBq
— Crystal Ball Markets (@crystalballmkt) August 31, 2025

Throughout the year, Wells Fargo has appeared to methodically cleanse its website of references to diversity, including its work with the nation’s first national organization for lesbians, its support of Japanese Americans who were held in American concentration camps, and Spanish-language support, which dates back to the 1800s.

Furthermore, the bank also removed its DEI landing page, sub-page, and related content, including its annual DEI report, racial equity assessment, and pay equity analysis.

Although Ebony Thomas, the company’s head of DEI, still occupies the position she was appointed to in May 2024, the company appears to have pivoted on DEI to avoid any potential legal ramifications.

The bank has, however, retained aspects of DEI that legal experts consider less open to risk of litigation, including its recruitment of military veterans and their spouses, supporting disabled workers, and its Neurodiversity Program, which it established in 2020.

The protest in Charlotte, led by Rev. Amy Brooks-Paradise, was centered on climate justice and wealth distribution as she communicated to WCNC Charlotte.

“We need to stop having a fossil fuel economy,” Rev. Brooks-Paradise said. “We really want them to reinstate those goals and to actively work hard with other banks and other financiers to make a just transition to a clean energy future. It’s wealth allocation. If everybody who has a lot of money and makes those big salaries looks like me, it means that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few.”

According to multiple outlets, Wells Fargo has neither commented on the protest nor answered questions about the rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Despite the actions of Wells Fargo and other companies, Roger Trapp, a U.K.-based journalist who has covered management and leadership for 30 years, asserted in an op-ed for Forbes that these companies need to reset their diversity programs instead of abandoning them.