fatal car crash, sentencing, Richard Ferguson, Florida — (Photo: gorodenkoff/Getty Images)

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.

Shene', Black, nurses, nursing, program — (Photo: Getty Images)

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 — Photo by sheri bush: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-wearing-headdresses-13429633/

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 — (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

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.

Wells fargo, fraud claim, 83-year-old — Photo by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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.

newborn. Adriana Smith, Georgia, coma, baby — Photo by CDC: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-lying-down-on-hospital-bed-getting-a-check-up-3993239/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 2, 2025

Newborn Baby Born To Brain-Dead Mother In Georgia Remains In Critical Condition

The baby's grandmothers continue to advocate for his late mother's life.

The newborn baby born under controversial circumstances to a brain-dead mother remains in the NICU.

The child was born to Adriana Smith, a pregnant woman who, under the LIFE Act in Georgia, was kept alive at a hospital despite being brain dead. Smith was only eight weeks pregnant at the time, but was kept on life support until the doctors felt they could deliver the baby. The medical case garnered national headlines for its implications in medical ethics.

However, the newborn remains in critical condition, born in June at just under five pounds. Upon his birth, his mother was taken off life support and died shortly after.

Now, his grandmother, April Newkirk, and great-grandmother continue to advocate for both him and his late mother. The relatives remain in shock over the ordeal, as they try to juggle both healing from the strained loss while hoping their newest member can stay alive.

“It’s not getting any better day by day,” explained Newkirk, according to Black News. “Something’s been taken away from us, and I think about her every day, all the time.”

The family has also taken care of Smith’s older son, 7-year-old Chase. The young boy also had to get counseling to cope with the unexpected and confusing loss of his mother. The family has spoken out against Georgia’s abortion laws that prevented them from burying Smith for months, and putting her then-unborn child at risk as well.

“This didn’t have to happen,” added Newkirk. “The law needs to be changed. Women have rights; it’s their body.”

Given the strict abortion law, doctors kept Smith’s physical body alive despite declaring her brain dead from severe blood clots. The LIFE Act bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected, typically at six weeks. However, unclear rules regarding the mother being brain dead resulted in medical professionals keeping Smith on life support.

The family has vocalized their opposition to the legislation and wants to prevent other women from enduring such matters. Reproductive rights advocates also continue to amplify Smith’s story and life, which was taken out of her control.

In the meantime, Smith’s loved ones hope for the baby’s wellness while still urging lawmakers for change.

vegan, Atlanta, burglaries, theft, lLife Bistro — Photo by Zak Chapman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-vegetables-on-oval-white-ceramic-plate-2291629/

by Mary Spiller

September 2, 2025

Atlanta Vegan Restaurant Battles Crime Wave as Owner Faces Closure Threat

'Over the last two years, we’ve had about five attempted break-ins. One of those times they actually got into the restaurant.'

A vegan restaurant in Southwest Atlanta is fighting to keep the doors open due to mounting financial strain due to crime.

Life Bistro, located in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood and owned by Issa Prescott, has endured five attempted break-ins over the past two years, Prescott said. The crimes have resulted in stolen equipment, cash, and damage costing more than $5,000 in repairs.

“Every single time they break the glass, that’s $1,000,” he said. “Not only do you have to replace the glass, but then you have to replace the locks on the doors.”

Security footage from July shows thieves throwing rocks through glass doors and forcing their way into the building. Items stolen over time include cash, iPads, point-of-sale systems, and even an employee’s shoes. Prescott said that despite making the restaurant cashless to deter theft, criminals have not stopped.

Prescott told Channel 2 Action News that these expenses have pushed the business to the brink of closing. Yet, he remains steadfast about staying put.

“We’ve had comments on Instagram, ‘Why don’t you move to a different neighborhood?’ and we’re not going anywhere,” Prescott said. “This is a food desert. We’re the only healthy eating option around here, and that was one of our visions when we opened—to provide healthier choices where there weren’t any.”

To help offset security expenses, Prescott has launched a fundraiser to pay for protective gates and other improvements. “We’re here to make a difference and offer a safe and healthy food option for people in this community,” he said.

He added, “We employ over 15 staff who support their families on the salaries they make from the restaurant. We operate on very thin margins and simply do not have the funds to cover this major expense. Whatever you can give to help is much appreciated.”

Atlanta police say local businesses can request extra patrols to combat crime in the area, but for Prescott, community support may be the key to keeping Life Bistro alive.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 2, 2025

Detroit Community Looking For Missing 17-Year-Old Black Girl

The Detroit community has been called upon to help bring Dajenea Moore home.

The Detroit Police have asked the surrounding community to help look for a missing 17-year-old Black girl who never came home.

Dajenea Moore was last seen Aug. 27. According to ClickonDetroit, she left her home in the Oakman Boulevard district without permission that evening, but failed to return. Now, police have released a public notice for anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.

“Please help us find missing Dajenea Moore,” detailed the post. “If you have any information, please call the Detroit Police Department’s 10th Precinct at 313-596-1040.”

The report lists Moore as 5 feet 5 inches, weighing between 150 and 160 pounds. She was last seen wearing a grey and red hoodie with black pants.

As the social media post gained traction, other pages dedicated to amplifying missing persons cases shared their support. The National Center for Missing and Endangered, Inc. has also re-shared the missing juvenile alert.

As Moore remains missing, her case calls attention to the number of missing Black youth across the country. According to a 2024 article published under the U.S. Department of Justice “Safe Communities” page, Black women and girls face higher rates of violence and trafficking. However, media attention often steers away when they are reported missing.

“Black women and girls are disproportionately affected by violence, trafficking, and systemic neglect, leading to high rates of their disappearance, and placing them at greater risk for homicide,” detailed the page. “Although they make up a significant portion of missing person cases in the U.S., their stories often go underreported and unnoticed by national media and law enforcement.”

According to 2022 data by the National Crime Information Center, Black women and girls accounted for 36% of all reported female cases. With their cases overshadowed due to systemic bias, these reports often don’t receive the support and attention needed to recover these women and girls.

However, the page has emphasized the importance of unbiased media coverage and communal outreach in cases of missing Black people. Now, law enforcement has also called upon the Detroit community in their quest to bring Moore home. Others can share tips anonymously with Detroit Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.

Jon Gruden, Trump Donald, president, racist — Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden observes players during practice at their training facility in Napa Valley, Calif., August 7, 2018. The Raiders invited Travis Air Force Base Airmen to attend camp and were treated to a scrimmage between the Raiders and Detroit Lions and a meet and greet autograph session with players and coaches from both teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Louis BrisceseU.S. Air Force employee Louis Briscese of Travis AFB, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Daniel Johnson

September 2, 2025

Trump Says Disgraced, Bigoted NFL Coach Jon Gruden Is A ‘Really Nice Guy’

In his post, Trump included a photo depicting himself and the former Las Vegas Raiders head coach bumping fists as Gruden wore a red Trump hat

Donald Trump celebrated the character of Jon Gruden on Aug. 31, referring to the now-disgraced head coach who was forced to resign after an NFL investigation found that he sent racist emails to members of the Washington Commanders organization, as a “really nice guy” in a post to his Truth Social account.

According to The Daily Beast, in his post, Trump included a photo depicting himself and the former Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Jon Gruden, bumping fists as Gruden wore a red “Trump” hat. The photo likely will cast doubt on an internet rumor that has been spreading over the last several days, a rumor that resulted in a search query with the keywords “Trump” and “dead” in proximity, trending on Twitter. (X)

“Great playing Golf with Jon Gruden — A really nice guy, and true character!” Trump wrote in the post. Although it initially was unclear when the photo was taken, internet sleuths noticed that Gruden’s outfit was the same one he had posted to his Instagram account on Aug. 23, the same day Trump spent on the golf course.

The rumor regarding Trump’s demise originated in part because he has been out of the public eye for a few days–unusual behavior for him– in addition to images of bruised hands, swollen ankles, difficulty walking, and what some believe are mental gaffes.

Gruden, meanwhile, has been more visible recently, having scored a legal victory in his fight with the NFL over its handling of his dismissal from the league. A panel of Nevada judges ruled 5-2 to deny the NFL’s argument that an arbitration judge should hear Gruden’s complaint, and also confirmed a previous ruling by a district court in favor of Gruden.

According to The Athletic, the NFL is expected to appeal this decision, but Gruden’s lawyer, Adam Hosmer-Henner, framed this development as a win for his client.

“We’re very pleased with the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision, not just for Coach Gruden but for all employees facing an employer’s unfair arbitration process. This victory further vindicates Coach Gruden’s reputation, and it clears the way to swiftly bringing him full justice and holding the NFL accountable,” Hosmer-Henner said.

In a 2021 lawsuit against the league, Gruden claimed that the NFL leaked emails containing racist, sexist, and homophobic language “through a malicious and orchestrated campaign,” because “the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell sought to destroy the career and reputation of Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.”

According to the Nevada Supreme Court’s ruling, neither the NFL’s compulsory arbitration clause nor its employment clause applied to Gruden.

“We conclude the arbitration clause in the NFL Constitution is unconscionable and does not apply to Gruden as a former employee. Nor, in the circumstances presented here, can the NFL Parties claim equitable estoppel to enforce the arbitration clause in Gruden’s coaching contract with the Raiders. Because the NFL Parties cannot compel Gruden to arbitrate, we ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED,” the judges wrote.

Nigerian,visa, Nigeria, denial — Photo by Anchau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/urban-traffic-scene-with-rickshaws-and-motorbikes-33687702/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 2, 2025

Nigerians Face Uptick In Denied Entry To U.S. After Unexplained Visa Cancellations

These unexplained visa cancellations is the latest update in the brewing immigration issues between Nigeria and the United States.

Many Nigerians with valid U.S. visas are suddenly facing denied entry into America.

However, the news of these visa cancellations has remained relatively under the radar. According to Business Insider Africa, Nigerian citizens have faced refusals at the border without any prior warning that their visas are at risk.

Many Nigerians, whose work ranges from business to entertainment, as well as those with family in the States, have had their visas pulled with no explanation. According to reports, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria was able to annul these documents based on unspecified new information, a move authorized under Title 22 CFR Section 41.122.

The growing number of unexplained cancellations has already caught the attention of numerous visa holders. One traveler, Olufemi Soneye, former chief corporate communications officer of Nigeria’s national oil company, the NNPC Ltd., detailed the unexpected ordeal many encountered on their way to America.

Soneye emphasized the “humiliation” felt when visa holders saw a typically ordinary process become a frightening realization. He also noted immigration authorities detained some before returning to Nigeria.

“Each had to abruptly cancel engagements, refund tickets, and explain to partners abroad why they could no longer show up. In some cases, the humiliation has been unbearable: travelers discovering at the airport, sometimes even at boarding gates, that their visas had been quietly invalidated,” he shared to The Cable, as reported by BI Africa.

However, options to resolve the invalid visas remain limited. With no formal appeal process available, Nigerian travelers can only reapply, a time-consuming and costly endeavor that may deter many from trying. This uptick in visa revocations severely impacts African students studying in the United States, many of whom have been encouraged to limit travel as this uncertainty wages on.

The news comes as the U.S. has already placed visa limits on African travelers, citing security and immigration concerns. Under Trump’s new foreign travel policies, Nigerians seeking to enter the U.S. face restrictions to three-month, single-entry visas, an update previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE.

These visa cancellations could also jeopardize Nigerian businessmen’s prospects and ventures in the global markets, as well as those who have already put down professional and personal roots in America, especially since these entry refusals remain unrecognized by U.S. officials. Disgruntled Nigerian travelers feel subjected to targeted policing, furthering tensions between the two countries.

“For many, this is not just about stamps on a passport,” continued Soneye. “These visas are lifelines for education, family reunions, medical treatment, and critical business. To have them snatched away without explanation is to leave lives suspended in confusion and despair.”

In the meantime, Nigerian travelers and international students remain cautious about their international travel as they navigate these regulations under Trump.