• Celebrity News

by Daniel Johnson

June 1, 2025

Trump Addresses Diddy Pardon Question—Says Rap Mogul ‘Used To Like Me’

'I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said. “He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up, from what I read.'

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When Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked President Donald Trump about a potential pardon for Sean “Diddy” Combs on May 30, in true Trump fashion, he made the question about himself.

According to The Huffington Post, Trump replied to the question as he typically does, by launching into a rambling explanation that doesn’t immediately answer the question that he was asked.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump told Doocy. “He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up, from what I read. I don’t know, he didn’t tell me that. But I’d read some…nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden.”

Trump continued, “You know, it’s different. You become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right. I could do other things and I’m sure he’d like me, and I’m sure other people would like me, but it wouldn’t be as good for our country. It’s not a popularity contest, so I don’t know. I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

According to the Department of Justice, Combs is currently facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

As it relates to the eight-week trial, NBC News reports that the testimony of Combs’ former employees may unveil the criminal enterprise required to secure a conviction under the federal racketeering conspiracy charge.

As Mark Chutkow, a defense attorney who handled racketeering cases as a federal prosecutor in Detroit told the outlet, Combs’ former global brand director Capricorn Clark’s “testimony is certainly helpful in painting a sinister image of Combs, of his manipulation and his coercion, his control and his violence, which will be beneficial to the prosecution down the line in terms of gaining the jury’s sympathies that this guy was up to no good and needs to be put away, or at least held accountable.”

He continued, “You do have these elements of extortion and coercion and fear and intimidation also at play, which you see in gangs and you see in the Mafia and other criminal organizations, and so I think that you don’t necessarily have to have co-conspirators and accomplices that are completely voluntary in their commitment to the organization.”

Although racketeering charges are somewhat complex, attorney Rachel Maimin, a former federal prosecutor, indicated that prosecutors often only have to prove the charge with one witness or circumstantial evidence.

“I don’t know if they’ve met all of the elements of racketeering yet, but prosecutors are showing that Diddy used employees from his business and organization to carry out criminal activities,” Maimin told the outlet. “They’re linking the crimes to his business.”

According to Rolling Stone, the lengthy trial, which is approaching its halfway point, is expected to conclude by the Fourth of July. If found guilty, the 55-year-old Combs faces the prospect of spending anywhere from 15 years to life behind bars, but if he were to receive a pardon, his federal sentence would cease to exist.

Per their previous reporting, several of Combs’ associates are getting closer to Trump administration officials, hoping to get clemency pleas to Trump. Per an anonymous source close to these preliminary discussions, Combs would do anything, even appeal to Trump, to avoid going to prison.

“He’s willing to do anything to get out of jail,” a source who has known Combs for a decade told Rolling Stone in May. “He’s always been this way. He’s always going to do what he has to do to get out of a situation.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kid Cudi Testifies In Diddy Trial, Discusses House Break-In, Car Being Set On Fire, Relationship With Cassie

• Health and Wellness

by Daniel Johnson

June 1, 2025

Young Atlanta Inventor Goes Viral For Turning Plastic Into Fuel — But Its Raising Questions

Julian Brown recently went viral after posting a video that showcased his work in the still nascent field of microwave pyrolysis.

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Julian Brown, a 21-year-old Atlanta native, recently went viral after sharing a video on social media highlighting his work in the emerging field of microwave pyrolysis—a process that uses intense heat to break down plastic, returning it to its petroleum-based components and transforming it into a usable fuel source.

Brown, who began working on prototypes using pyrolysis in high school, credits his ability to use the technology to his ability to weld, in a 2024 interview with Canvas Rebel, he said that once he discovered that plastic can be turned back into petroleum via a reactor, he set out to build a reactor for that purpose.

“After finding out that plastic is made of crude oil, and can be turned back into fuel with a reactor, I decided to build a reactor, putting my welding experience to use. I saw a problem that needed a solution quickly and desperately, and so I jumped right into taking action and being the change I wanted to see when I knew there was something I could do,” Brown told the outlet.

He continued, “I self-taught myself everything about this technology and the process, utilizing the age of the internet and information to my advantage. Turning plastic to fuel with reactors has been done before, however I have been working to innovate utilizing microwaves to turn plastic into fuel.”

According to The Root, Brown has expanded on that work since that time, creating his own company, Naturejab, and proving his concept via fuel testing at ASAP Labs. As he told the outlet, he believes that the process of microwave pyrolysis could be used to turn something that is not biodegradable into a potentially high-value product that ultimately is a net positive for the environment.

“The very issue we have is the production of plastic,” Brown told The Root. “The reason why recycling hasn’t been done is because it hasn’t been profitable. But now, we are able to make a product of super high value out of something that otherwise is just seen as waste.”

While Brown raises a valid point about the lack of large-scale recycling, reporting from Inside Climate News notes that broader systemic issues—such as resistance from major plastic manufacturers to increased regulation—also contribute to the continued overproduction of plastics and the spread of “forever chemicals,” which often disproportionately impact Black and other communities of color.

As they reported in March, the use of pyrolysis is also not without its drawbacks. While it produces a cleaner burning fuel, it also is a process that adds to the pollutants in the atmosphere unless it is burned at an extremely high temperature.

A Waste Energy Corp. plant in Fayetteville, Arkansas, drew criticism for its potential use of pyrolysis in a low-income, minority neighborhood. The company later announced plans to relocate the project to an area already zoned for industrial use. Meanwhile, an April 2023 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that converting plastic into fuel through pyrolysis can be more costly and have a greater environmental impact than using traditional fossil fuels or chemicals.

According to Judith Enck, a former regional director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the founder of Beyond Plastics, an environmental group, “The problem with pyrolysis is we should not be producing more fossil fuels. We need to be going in the opposite direction.”

Enck told Inside Climate News in 2024, “Using plastic waste as a feedstock for fossil fuels is doubling the damage to the environment because there are very negative environmental impacts from the production, disposal, and use of plastics.”

RELATED CONTENT: New Study Finds ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Major Bandage Brands Like Band-Aid, Curad, Up & Up

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 1, 2025

Rihanna’s Father, Ronald Fenty, Dies At Age 70 Due To Illness

Rihanna had bouts of estrangement from her father before reconciling in recent years.

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Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, has died at age 70 in Los Angeles.

TMZ confirmed the news May 31, with sources sharing that he died from an undisclosed illness. The tabloid also released photos of Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, leaving Cedars-Sinai Medical Center days before the news broke. Rihanna was also allegedly in the vehicle, yet no photographs of her visit were released.

Fenty shared three children with his ex, Monica Braithwaite, with Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty being the only girl. However, the couple split up in 2002 when Rihanna was 14. Furthermore, Rihanna had an estranged relationship with her father as she rose in her music career.

The Fenty Beauty founder became a global superstar in R&B and pop music. Although the late Fenty and his daughter had a tumultuous relationship throughout her life, the duo made amends in recent years.

The doting grandfather previously expressed his excitement about his daughter’s growing family with A$AP Rocky. Rihanna now has two children, sons Riot and Rza, with the Harlem rapper, and another one on the way.

“I’m so happy that I jumped for joy. I’m still so excited,” he told Page Six in 2022. “Rihanna always said that she wanted children; she loves kids. She always takes care of her cousins’ kids… she’s going to be a good mom.”

Rihanna takes immense pride in her surname, using it for her beauty and fashion empire. Her two mainstay brands, Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, hold the title. However, the name had been a previous point of contention between Rihanna and her father. She sued her parent back in 2019 over the use of their family name for fraudulent business dealings. The singer, however, later dropped the case.

Now, the Fenty family is grieving the loss of its patriarch. Rihanna has yet to make a public statement on her father’s death.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna, A$AP Rocky Debut Baby No. 3 At Met Gala

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 1, 2025

Cardi B Reveals She Spends Over $50K A Month On Her Kids — From Private Tutors To Personal Driver

Cardi claims she spends thousands on the kids' personal driver, nanny, and chef.

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Cardi B is spending massive cash on her kids. The “I Like It” rapper detailed how much she spends monthly on her three children, shared with estranged husband, Offset.

The Bronx rapper detailed the itemized receipts on X spaces as news broke of Offset filing for spousal support. The separated couple share two daughters, Kulture, 6, and Blossom, 8 months, and a son, Wave, 3.

Cardi went to social media after feeling disrespected by Offset’s audacious claims amid their ongoing divorce. The 32-year-old broke down the thousands she spends on their children with no help from the former Migos rapper.

“Y’all want to know what’s the kids’ bills? Start adding,” Cardi said, as reported by People. “My kids got their own driver. The kids’ driver is on a retainer for $10,000 a month.”

Cardi detailed how she spends $45,000 a year on Kulture’s private school education. She also spends a lesser, yet still hefty, check for Wave’s pre-school, totaling $35,000 for the toddler. Her eldest children receive private tutoring four times a week in addition to their school tuition.

However, that figure does not include each child’s extracurricular activities.

“Kulture’s piano class — that’s $300 an hour, and she gets piano classes three times a week. I’m not sure how much is gymnastics and Wave’s boxing classes, but I pay for that, too,” she added.

The expenses keep piling up, including Cardi’s cousin and her $3,000 a week babysitting services for Wave. Her newest bundle of joy also has her own nanny, who earns $500 a shift.

However, kids still need to eat, which is why Cardi hired a personal chef to feed the babies of the ultra-busy media personality.

“This is not even including food,” continued Cardi. “My kids have a personal chef that come from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. that I pay for because people in my house don’t have time to cook.”

She claims she also bought their family home with her own money, as Offset has not provided real support since the duo split. Cardi did not hold back on her feelings toward her children’s father. She further accused Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, of barely seeing any of their children.

“I want you to die. But I want you to die f—— slow,” Cardi said on X. “Kiari is allowed to see my kids. There is not one day that he’s not allowed to see my kids. He stood up my kids three times. He has seen Blossom only like five times.”

RELATED CONTENT: Offset Wants Cardi B To Hand Over Her ‘GWAP’ In Spousal Support

• Entertainment

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 1, 2025

After 500 Theater Artists Sign Letter Urging ‘Accountability,’ Patti LuPone Apologizes To Audra McDonald, Kecia Lewis

LuPone once referred to Lewis as a "b***" and also deemed McDonald "not a friend."

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Hundreds of theater artists have signed an open letter calling for “accountability” from Patti LuPone over her comments toward fellow Broadway stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald.

The letter, signed by over 500 members of the global theater community, was enacted by Theater for Change and shared with Deadline. The document serves as a “collective call-in” as they advocate for justice.

The letter recalled LuPone’s interview with The New Yorker, where she referred to Lewis as a “b***.” Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, LuPone also deemed McDonald “not a friend,” while undermining Lewis’ Broadway career.

The letter deemed the comments a “blatant act of racialized disrespect.” Its writers also emphasized how it contributes to microaggressions against Black actors in the theater industry.

“Recently, Patti LuPone made deeply inappropriate and unacceptable public comments about two of Broadway’s most respected and beloved artists: Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald,” detailed the letter. ” In a published interview with The New Yorker, she referred to Kecia Lewis—a Black woman and a 40-year veteran of the American stage—as a “b***.” This language is not only degrading and misogynistic—it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect.”

The letter detailed how LuPone’s words actively worked against the values upheld within the theater community. Especially given Lewis and McDonald’s Broadway legacies, the letter cited a grave disrespect to the women as Black stage actors.

It added “To publicly attack a woman who has contributed to this art form with such excellence, leadership, and grace—and to discredit the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history—is not simply a personal offense. It is a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold.”

The letter not only affirmed Lewis and McDonald but also all the Black actors who faced disrespect that went unchecked. It also called on theater industry leaders to not let the actions of LuPone and others skate by. Instead, they urged them to strip their participation in notable events until rightful accountability is met.

However, this accountability does not equate to “cancelling.” The letter hopes to promote fairness and justice within the community, protecting all who grace its stages.

“This is not about “canceling” anyone or condemning them — it is about care. Care for our artists, our values, and the future of our shared craft. We write because we want this community to thrive — not just in box office numbers or critical acclaim, but in integrity, safety, and mutual respect. We envision a theater industry where all artists — including Black women — are protected, valued, and celebrated.”

In light of the letter, LuPone publicly apologized for her words. She called her response “demeaning and disrespectful” and “flippant and emotional.” She also stated that she agreed “wholeheartedly” with the statement made in the open letter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patti LuPone (@pattilupone)

“I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community,” wrote LuPone to Instagram. “I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra [McDonald] and Kecia [Lewis] personally to offer my apologies.”

RELATED CONTENT: Patti LuPone Says Audra McDonald Is ‘Not A Friend’ And Snubs Her Recent Tony Nomination

• Education

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 1, 2025

Mother-Daughter HBCU Grads Prove It’s ‘Never Too Late’ To Get Schooled

The duo sought inspiration from each other to keep going and obtain their degrees.

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A mother-daughter duo-turned-HBCU graduates are letting others know about their shared purpose of education.

Angela Jones and Jordyn Jones are the latest graduates of Southern University and A&M College. However, their walks across the stage showcase a different journey, symbolizing their homegrown resilience and determination to reach this academic goal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Southern University (@southernu_br)

“It wasn’t just about walking across the stage,” Jordyn said, according to HBCU Gameday. “It was about walking in purpose — together.”

The two did not initially plan to graduate at the same time. The elder Jones had already earned her Bachelor’s degree nearly three decades ago. Despite the gap, Angela sought to prove that the dream had only deferred.

“I always felt there was more I wanted to achieve academically,” she said. “I wanted to prove to myself and to my daughter that it’s never too late to pursue higher education.”

While she did not have to return for another diploma alongside her daughter, their journeys lined up for the Jones women to support one another through midterms and beyond.

“Supporting each other through school at the same time was a blessing,” Jordyn said. “We leaned on each other during tough assignments and moments of doubt. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a prayer, or just knowing we weren’t alone, we kept each other going.”

In fact, it was her daughter’s matriculation through undergrad that inspired Angela to re-enroll. What she did not expect, however, was for the younger Jones to then find that drive from her.

“Her determination inspired me to keep going, even when things felt impossible,” explained Jordyn. “She taught me that with the right mindset and faith, you can overcome anything.”

This faith and familial support led both women to accomplish this feat together as they forged a new legacy.

This milestone means everything for our family,” expressed Angela. “It represents generational growth, breaking barriers, and proving that dreams can be achieved no matter the circumstances. Growth doesn’t stop at any age. Your goals are still valid, no matter how much time has passed.”

Now, the Joneses are celebrating their double achievement as educated Black women with HBCU degrees. The mother-daughter duo hopes to inspire other families to obtain an education if they feel called back to class.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Students Are Keeping Graduation Traditions Alive Even As DEI Crackdown Limits The Festivities

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

June 1, 2025

Knicks Out: Pacers To Face Oklahoma City Thunder In NBA Finals

The Pacers defeated the New York Knicks in Game 6, ending the Knicks' magical postseason run.

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On May 31, the Indiana Pacers responded to one of their most lackluster performances of the playoffs in Game 5 like the Eastern Conference champs many predicted they would be after their series with the New York Knicks tipped off, while the Knicks, who enjoyed their best finish in 25 years, largely searched for answers in the second half that never came.

En route to a 125-108 victory, the Pacers were buoyed by the play of former Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam and former Sacramento Kings point guard Tyrese Halliburton, who has now etched himself into the annals of Knicks foils like Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan. Siakam recorded 31 points and five rebounds, while Halliburton notched a double-double, putting up 21 points and 13 assists, scoring half of those points in the fourth quarter.

As The Athletic reports, Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin diagnosed their failure to launch in Game 5 as the team not playing Indiana Pacers basketball and remained confident that the next game, Game 6, would go much differently.

“We just weren’t us,” Mathurin told the outlet. “We weren’t the Pacers. We didn’t play with force. We weren’t relentless. I think that’s the one thing that we were missing tonight. And I think that we got to step it up for next game, because it’s Game 6, and we got to close it.”

In the pivotal Game 6, when the Pacers came out of the halftime break looking to pressure the Knicks, who had kept the game close up to that point, they showed why the old idiom that pressure busts pipes always pops up in the playoffs.

In the third quarter, the Pacers picked up their intensity, pressuring the Knicks into 18 turnovers, scoring 34 points off their miscues, and scoring 25 points in transition.

Siakam would edge out Halliburton, his teammate, by one vote, earning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, but urged fans of the team to remember that a formidable Oklahoma City Thunder squad, led by the league’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is waiting for them on June 5.

“Enjoy tonight and after that look forward,” Siakam said, who was also a key part of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship team. “We have a team out there waiting for us that’s serious. They’re the best team in the NBA.”

With the win, the Pacers advance to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, and their second appearance in team history. They would go on to lose their only other appearance in the NBA Finals to the dynastic Los Angeles Lakers, who secured a three-peat with their win in the series.

For the Knicks, the bittersweet end to their best playoff performance in 25 years and Jalen Brunson’s sparkling playoff run will inevitably be met with questions, which Brunson, to his credit, faced head-on post-game.

At points during the postseason, the Knicks looked like a team of destiny; at others, they looked hopeless. They will have to recalibrate and figure out who they are as a team during the long summer off-season if they want to reach the next level.

“It’s definitely tough to look ahead,” Brunson told The Athletic. “Even when you win, it’s always about what’s next. Regardless, we’re going to go in the summer and work. We’re going to get better and figure out how we can change this outcome.”

He continued, “It’s going to start with us and our mentality, making sure we take it one day at a time. We can’t just jump back into the conference finals. We can’t look ahead. I got a lot of faith in this group. No one sees what me and (Towns) see every day, the type of people that we have, the workers that we have. That’s what gives me the confidence.”

RELATED CONTENT: Knicks Break 25-Year Conference Finals Drought, Defeat Celtics

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 1, 2025

NAACP Demands Immediate Shutdown Of Elon Musk’s Controversial Supercomputer In Memphis

The NAACP is calling out the supercomputer's environmental harms lack of regulation.

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The NAACP is the latest entity to speak about Elon Musk’s “Colossus,” which is reportedly the world’s largest supercomputer, operating in the center of Memphis. The computer trains the artificial intelligence GROK and operates using dozens of gas turbines.

The NAACP is calling out the supercomputer’s environmental harms and lack of regulation. According to reports, Collosus is positioned in the middle of Boxtown, a predominantly Black, South Memphis community. Its location heightens residents’ risk of severe health issues related to the machine’s operation. Thus, the NAACP claims the project, powered by methane gas turbines, emits harmful pollutants without proper permits. The NAACP is calling for an emergency shutdown of the supercomputer.

On May 29, the organization sent a letter expressing its concerns and calling out the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) and Memphis Light Gas and Water’s (MLGW). According to the statement, the project is seeking to circumvent the regulations imposed by the Clean Air Act. Instead of operating one large-scale turbine, Colossus uses “35 [smaller] gas turbines.” 

When xAI decided it wanted to sidestep the law and clean air standards that took decades to craft at a federal and local level, MLGW and SCDH did nothing. Indeed, xAI brought in at least 18 initial gas turbines so that it would seem as though there were smaller sources as opposed to one large source. However, that does not change the law, and this type of behavior is a clear violation. SCDH and MLGW should also carefully consider the message it sends when it allows xAI to evade rules meant to protect the community. Indeed, 35 gas turbines can emit between 1,200 and 2,000 tons of nitrogen-oxide per year. The Clean Air Act’s New Source Review captures this very type of activity. Yet, MLGW and SCHD are deciding to look away from xAI’s illegal activity and place resident’s health in jeopardy.

NAACP representatives are not the first to speak out about the health risk to Memphis residents. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the ire of Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson.

“It’s an actual gas plant in the middle of a neighborhood and you don’t need any permitting?” Pearson said. “Something has failed drastically and significantly with our system of checks and balances.”

He continued, “If you look at where these data centers are propping up, it’s always in poor communities.”

Easter Knox, who has lived in the Memphis area for 77 years, says she struggles with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Knox believes Musk’s financial position allows him to bypass public interest and safety concerns.

“They got money. And they can do what they want to do, you know, without consulting us,” she told NBC News. 

In response to the controversy, xAI states that it is in compliance with all applicable laws. The company has not been granted permits for operation. Yet, it has applied for permits for 15 permanent turbines, stating they will be equipped with pollution controls and used as backup power.

Local authorities, including the city’s health department, the mayor, and the Chamber of Commerce, initially indicated that permits were not required for the turbines’ first year of use. 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Memphis Community Says It’s Under Siege From Pollution Emitted By Elon Musk’s New Supercomputer