by Keka Araújo

April 22, 2025

Judge Blocks ICE From Rikers Island Amid City Challenge

Adams has said the presence of ICE and other federal agencies within the jail complex will allow them to assist in gang and drug-related investigations, but that they would have no role in civil immigration enforcement.

A New York judge has ordered city officials to temporarily halt a plan allowing federal immigration agents to operate within the Rikers Island jail complex.

In a written order Monday, Judge Mary Rosado barred the city from “taking any steps toward negotiating, signing, or implementing any Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government” before an April 25 hearing in a suit challenging the plan.

The hearing will focus on a lawsuit filed last week by the New York City Council against Mayor Eric Adams. The lawsuit seeks to block his recent executive order permitting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies to maintain office space at the jail complex. The lawsuit and temporary halt are based on the city council’s challenge to the mayor’s executive order.

The suit accuses Adams, a Democrat, of entering into a “corrupt quid pro quo bargain” with the Trump administration in exchange for the Justice Department dropping criminal charges against him. Adams has repeatedly denied making any deal with the administration over the criminal case.

Adams has said the presence of ICE and other federal agencies within the jail complex will allow them to assist in gang and drug-related investigations, but that they would have no role in civil immigration enforcement. You can find press releases and official statements on the NYC.gov website.

The mayor previously announced he would deputize his first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, to handle all decision-making on the return of ICE to Rikers Island to “ensure there was never even the appearance of any conflict.” Mastro said last week that discussions with the federal government over the plan were ongoing.

ICE agents previously had a presence at the Rikers Island facility in the East River. However, they were effectively banned from operating there in 2014 under New York City’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. For more information about ICE, their website is located here: https://www.ice.gov/

Republicans in Congress are taking aim at several cities, often called “sanctuary cities,” over their policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement. Mayors Michelle Wu of Boston, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York are set to appear Wednesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability website can be found here: https://oversight.house.gov/

There’s no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generally describe limited cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE enforces U.S. immigration laws nationwide but seeks state and local help, particularly for large-scale deportations. ICE requests that police and sheriffs alert them to people it wants to deport and hold them until federal officers take custody.

But some cities and states say cooperating with ICE means victims of crime and witnesses who aren’t in the U.S. legally won’t come forward. And, to varying degrees, officials argue that they want their localities to be welcoming places for immigrants.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 22, 2025

International Students In Indiana Denied Restraining Order After Having Visas Revoked

A group of international students had their visas revoked and were denied a restraining order by a federal judge.

A judge has denied requests for a restraining order from a group of international students whose F-1 student visas were revoked.

On April 17, Judge James Patrick Hanlon of the Southern District of Indiana ruled against reinstating the visas of seven international students from Purdue, IU Indianapolis, and Notre Dame, WFYI reports. The students had requested a restraining order to prevent deportation and argued that the government’s actions violated their Fifth Amendment due process rights.

However, the judge ruled that the students had not demonstrated how losing their visas would lead to serious harm.

“While the court understands the turmoil that Plaintiffs are experiencing because of the sudden and unexpected termination of their F-1 student status in SEVIS, Plaintiffs have not demonstrated irreparable harm to warrant the extraordinary exercise of judicial power required for the Court to issue a temporary restraining order,” Hanlon wrote.

“Under Supreme Court precedent, ‘some possibility’ of deportation is not enough to show irreparable harm…Plaintiffs have not shown non-speculative harm beyond a potential gap in their educations, which, standing alone, is generally not irreparable harm.”

The judge’s decision contrasts with rulings by federal judges in states like Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Wisconsin, where courts have granted temporary restraining orders to international students challenging their visa revocations.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a federal program that monitors F-1 visa holders. Amid changes implemented by President Donald Trump’s current administration, the government has changed the visa status of more than 1,550 international students across over 240 schools.

The Indiana students who filed the lawsuits argue their visas were revoked without prior notice or an opportunity to respond, leaving them in fear of deportation. The F-1 visa allows individuals to study at U.S. institutions and work legally, provided they meet specific requirements.

Five of the students enrolled in programs at Purdue University and one at Indiana University Indianapolis are citizens of China, and one student attending the University of Notre Dame is from Nigeria. The ACLU of Indiana, representing the students, stated that they are “deeply disappointed” by the judge’s ruling, which affects the students who are all in good academic standing.

“These students have invested years of their lives and thousands of dollars in their education,” Legal Director Ken Falk said. “For DHS to terminate their status with no warning is deeply unfair, and we believe it is illegal.”

The students have until April 21 to show evidence of how they will be harmed by having their visas revoked.

NFC, cyberattacks, china, phones, fraud, money, cellphones

by Keka Araújo

April 22, 2025

New Smartphone Scam Targets Bank Accounts Via NFC

Remember, your bank will NEVER contact you in this manner!

A wave of sophisticated cyberattacks, originating from China, is targeting iPhone and Android users across the U.S. and Europe, putting sensitive data and finances at substantial risk.

Security experts, including those at the cybersecurity threat intelligence company Cleafy, have uncovered a novel method that exploits Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. Cleafy identifies this as a “significant new trend” posing a serious challenge to financial institutions.

The scam typically begins with an urgent text or WhatsApp message, crafted to mimic a bank security alert and warn of a suspicious outgoing payment. Victims are then urged to call a provided number to dispute the transaction.

Upon calling, victims are deceived into interacting with their banking app, confirming their PIN, and holding their bank card near their phone. This action enables attackers to remotely capture card details using NFC, which are subsequently used to conduct unauthorized contactless payments or cash withdrawals.

Cleafy’s analysis reveals that attackers often persuade victims to install a seemingly benign application, delivered via SMS or WhatsApp. Unbeknownst to the user, this application harbors malware that facilitates the NFC-relay attack. This remote exploitation of NFC, combined with the proliferation of text scams, enables attackers to operate at scale without requiring close physical proximity to their victims.

The FBI has issued warnings about similar fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that legitimate banks, tech support providers, and law enforcement agencies will not initiate contact with individuals in this manner. The FBI strongly advises that recipients of suspicious texts or emails use official channels to contact the relevant organization directly.

The crucial point, as with other scams, is that users must refrain from engaging with unsolicited calls or messages. Scammers are highly skilled at deception, and any interaction can result in a financial loss.

Remember, your bank will not contact you in this manner.

Restaurant, Atlanta, florrisant, Bliss, age requirement, 35 years old, 30 years old

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2025

Gen Z Focuses On Cutting Costs When Dining Out Compared To Millennials And Baby Boomers

Gen Z is reshaping the American dining scene by ordering less and prioritizing budget-friendly options when eating out.

Gen Z is reshaping the American dining experience as we know it. From opting to split entrées to ordering appetizers or kids’ menu items, the younger generation is all about saving their hard-earned coins.

A recent survey by Eater and Vox Media looked into how dining differs across generations and found that more Gen Zers are opting to share plates or order less food to cut costs while dining out amid rising inflation and tariffs.

“We will split appetizers and entrees so everyone can try something,” Mia Jones, a 26-year-old growth strategist, told Fortune. “It’s an occasion, so we want to try everything.”

Adding to the change in menu ordering, more Gen Zers are choosing sobriety, not just to save money, but also to avoid alcoholism and promote a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s a trend the industry is watching closely,” said Barry McGowan, CEO of Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão. Gen Zers are more “considerate when it comes to value. Alcohol consumption is also evolving. This generation is more likely to opt for zero-proof cocktails or low-ABV beverages.”

Brooke Arterberry, a researcher at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, attributes the shift in alcohol consumption to young people’s strong drive for success.

“Gen Z is socializing less in person, and social norms may be changing,” Arterberry said. “Parenting changes might also be a factor, as is the increased pressure young people feel to succeed, the amount of accessible information on the dangers of drinking, and even economic instability.”

Another factor influencing whether a Gen Zer dines out is if the restaurant has been featured on TikTok or social media. The survey revealed that over 77% of Gen Zers discover restaurants through social media, with 72% trusting reviews from these platforms.

“I won’t eat at a restaurant if it’s not on TikTok because I don’t trust a boomer’s taste buds,” Jones said. “I know that my fellow GenZers have their FBI hat on when reviewing a restaurant.”

RELATED CONTENT: 3 Healthy Business Lunch Ideas

model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

Triple Homicide Claims Black Mom And 5-Year-Old Son Just Before She Sends Text Naming Alleged Killer

The slain mother sent a one-word text that led to the arrest of a suspect.

A Black mother in Alabama died alongside her five-year-old son in a triple homicide, but not before texting her alleged killer’s name.

Arkia “Kia” Berry died with her young son and boyfriend in their car as a gunman shot them down in July 2024. When police investigated the scene, they found the 28-year-old’s phone with a single text message sent to a friend containing the word “Jaco.”

The ominous text provided crucial insight into who could have shot the young family, which included Berry’s son, Landyn Brooks, and 28-year-old boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr. It resulted in the arrest of Jacorian Deshawn McGregor.

The 25-year-old, whose nickname is “Jaco,” was charged with capital murder. According to AL.com, he appeared before a Jefferson County judge for a preliminary hearing on April 17.

Birmingham homicide Det. Jarvelius Tolliver recounted the events that took the lives of a mother, son, and her partner.

Tolliver shared how Berry drove the blue Nissan Maxima that jumped a curb and came to a stop as bullets pierced the vehicle. When officers arrived at Echo Highlands Park after a 911 call reported an accident, they found the car parked outside a home near the park entrance. The vehicle was struck with multiple bullet holes, with the three bodies that lay dead inside.

Among the 20 to 30 shell casings that were recovered from and around the car, they also saw money scattered along the roadway. According to Tolliver, most of the gunfire was directed at the passenger’s side where Ashley sat.

The car where the shots were allegedly fired was determined as a green Kia Soul. The car’s owner claimed the vehicle had been stolen days before the fatal incident. Police found the vehicle in flames the next day.

Tolliver revealed they used further analysis of the victims’ phones to place McGregor at the scene of the crime. Flock images and other videos also showed an additional car, a black Mercedes-Benz, following the Kia that day. The driver of the Benz revealed that he had also driven around in the Kia. He also confirmed his friendship with Ashley and Berry.

The Mercedes driver shared that McGregor told him he shot at the car. A recovery of McGregor’s own phone showed several conversations about the incident, with others advising him to “lay low, stay out of sight, stay hidden.”

Despite McGregor’s attorney questioning Tolliver’s argument, a judge ruled in favor of the evidence being enough to continue the case.

Berry worked as a hairstylist in her Birmingham community, while Landyn was set to begin Kindergarten that fall. Berry’s cousin, Aniya, remembered her as a doting mother who took great care of her child.

“She loved her baby so much. Everything he wanted, he had. Everything he needed, he had. She took care of her baby the way she was supposed to,” Aniya shared with AL.com.

McGregor remains held without bond in Jefferson County Jail.

usher, Abu Dhabi, super bowl, decency,, cherry, dubai, singer

by Keka Araújo

April 21, 2025

‘Cherry-Picked’ Performance: Usher Alters Show In Abu Dhabi. Y’all Know Why!

Usher still had love for his fans, though!

Usher declined to perform his signature cherry-feeding stunt during a recent concert in Abu Dhabi, a move that highlights the challenges international artists face when navigating the United Arab Emirates’ strict decency laws.

During a performance at Club Social in Etihad Park on Yas Island, Usher apologized to the audience for foregoing the act, a staple of his current tour. The singer cited his “love” and “heart” as a substitute.

“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen. No, I will not be giving any cherries out tonight,” Usher said, prompting a collective sigh from the audience. “But I have nothing but love for you. I give you my heart in exchange for the cherries. I give you my love in exchange for the cherries tonight.”

Usher apologizes and tells his female fans during his Abu Dhabi show that he won’t be feeding them cherries due to UAE’s strict public decency laws. pic.twitter.com/tZJbhhs2bd
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) April 20, 2025

Usher’s very responsible decision reflects the pervasive influence of the UAE’s Federal Penal Code, which prohibits “acts that violate public morality” and carries penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. These laws, deeply rooted in Islamic culture and strictly interpreted in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, extend beyond prohibitions of overtly sexual acts to encompass a range of behaviors, including dress code, public displays of affection, and the content of musical performances.

International performers, including many Black artists, frequently adapt their shows to accommodate local customs. It essentially involves wearing less-revealing clothing, modifying dance routines, avoiding direct physical contact with the audience, refraining from using explicit language or gestures, and using less Westernized imagery.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) further reinforces these standards by blocking access to online materials deemed obscene.

Usher’s cherry-feeding routine, which typically involves the artist sensually feeding the fruit to a female audience member in a suggestive manner, likely falls within the realm of prohibited acts.

This incident echoes a similar sentiment, as seen in a performance by Beyoncé at the unofficial opening of Atlantis, the Royal Hotel in Dubai, in January 2023. Beyoncé’s 19-song set, performed for an exclusive audience of influencers and journalists, notably omitted material from her acclaimed 2022 album Renaissance. That album is a “love letter to Black and queer dance music pioneers and communities.”

Homosexuality is not legal in the United Arab Emirates and is a crime, potentially punishable by death. While the law is not always strictly enforced, its existence compels artists to make difficult choices about their creative expression.

The conflict between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity is not a new phenomenon. Fans have consistently lobbied artists to cancel performances in the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to those countries’ human rights records.

The pressure raises questions about the role of artists as cultural ambassadors, the balance between respecting local customs and upholding universal human rights, and the compromises artists are willing to make for an international audience.

Passengers Evacuated From Delta Flight. After Engine Catches Fire At Orlando International Airport

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

Passengers Evacuated From Delta Flight. After Engine Catches Fire At Orlando International Airport

No one was injured in the incident at Orlando International Airport

An airplane caught fire at Orlando International Airport, and passengers had to be evacuated expeditiously.

According to ABC News, no one was injured on board the Delta flight after one of its engines caught fire. Video footage showed passengers sliding down an emergency exit as the airport’s rescue and firefighting team responded to the incident. A reported 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots were safely escorted from the airplane.

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A post shared by ABC News (@abcnews)

Click Orlando reported that Delta Flight 1213 was scheduled to leave the airport at 11 a.m. April 21 to head to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The plane had not taken off yet when the fire was discovered.

Delta stated that the fire started in the tailpipe of one of the plane’s two engines.

The airline released a statement after evacuating the people on board the aircraft.

“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience. Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible,” Delta said in a written statement.

After the customers were removed from the plane, they returned to the terminal building and were provided with food and beverages. No details were provided about whether any items on board, including luggage and personal belongings, were damaged beyond the engine that caught fire. According to officials, maintenance teams will inspect the aircraft, while the airline will assist passengers in reaching their final destinations.

“Delta will bring in additional aircraft to help get customers to their final destinations.”

🚨#BREAKING: Nearly 300 passengers on a Delta Airlines flight were forced to evacuate after an engine fire broke out

📌#Orlando | #Florida

Watch as footage captured by a passenger at Orlando International Airport shows a A330 Airbus Delta Airlines flight from Orlando to… pic.twitter.com/evwPeEsMHw

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 21, 2025

Orlando International Airport also released a statement about the incident via social media.

Today at approximately 11:06 am, Delta Air Lines flight 1213 experienced an engine fire while at the ramp area prior to departure. Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded. For inquiries, please contact Delta Air Lines directly.

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 21, 2025

10-Year-Old Sacramento Boy, Sacramento Boy, Indiana, Jarrell Pryor, Alexis Hawkins, Brian Winston, Jr. instagram, father, 26-year-old

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

Indiana Couple Arrested After Allegedly Setting Up 26-Year-Old Father In Fatal Entrapment

Alexis Hawkins, and Brian Winston Jr., have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jarrell Lamont Pryor

Two people in Indiana have been charged in the killing of a 26-year-old father who died in a robbery that a woman allegedly set up; he thought she was inviting him on a date.

Alexis Hawkins, 19, and her 18-year-old boyfriend, Brian Winston Jr., have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jarrell Lamont Pryor. The victim was shot to death during the morning of Jan. 25, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The single father was killed after setting up a date with Hawkins that fateful day.

When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Pryor lying on the ground next to a vehicle. He was taken to the local hospital, but ended up dying from the gunshot wounds he suffered as a result of the attack. Both Hawkins and Winston were suspects from the start of the investigation. A month after the crime was committed, Hawkins was arrested on Feb. 26, while Winston was apprehended and arrested in Austin, Texas, on April 2, before he was extradited to Indiana.

While investigating Pryor’s death, detectives went through his phone and discovered the messages he exchanged with Hawkins on Instagram, where the two reportedly met. Hawkins allegedly had scammed other men on the app. Based on what they retrieved, it was discovered that Pryor assumed he was making arrangements to go on a date with the 19-year-old. As stated in the affidavits, he attempted to make plans with her hours before the encounter. While she was having a conversation with the victim, she had already told Winston of previous situations where she had scammed several men. Police say after viewing those messages, it was determined she had set up Pryor to be robbed.

There was video footage showing that Pryor and Hawkins were inside a car outside a liquor store about an hour before the shooting took place. The police are unclear when Winston showed up at the scene of the crime, but did allege that he was the shooter.

Case Western Reserve University, dei, Viibbert,, Trump

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

As Many Schools Comply With Trump’s Anti-DEI Demands, Case Western Reserve Staffer Pushes Back

The staffer, who managed the university's websites, initially refused to remove websites pertaining to minority student scholarships.

While many schools have begun complying with Trump’s memo to eliminate DEI programs, one college staffer fought to keep their campus inclusive.

Case Western Reserve University in Ohio received federal funding. Not wanting to risk this vital support, the Cleveland institution immediately removed certain websites for DEI-focused initiatives.

According to News 5 Cleveland, a school staffer refused to cooperate.

“It said, ‘Confidential and urgent, please immediately remove these websites,’” said Marie Vibbert, webmaster for the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western.

Vibbert responded with a simple ‘no’ on the matter, if done to appease Trump.

“I said, ‘Is this just, you know, to kowtow to Trump? If so, no,” she explained.

Although she oversees around 120 of Case Western Reserve’s websites, she was asked to remove websites specifically for scholarships targeting minorities. Their selections raised concern, leading her to refuse the request.

As she suspected, the three scholarships, including the 2012 Chemistry Doctoral Scholarship for Underrepresented Minority Students, were connected to DEI. Feeling unnerved, Vibbert took her concerns to the vice president.

“To block access to that education to people who might not be able to come if they can’t get a scholarship, that, to me, is terrible,” said Vibbert.

Vibbert’s stance could not compete with the federal demands, especially since threats to cut federal funding had already been made at other institutions, and the websites were removed. The university later released a statement about the closure of its DEI engagement office.

“We have watched the evolution of the legal challenges to these executive orders, and, as we have seen among some of our peers already, it is clear we must be in compliance with them to receive the federal funding that is critical to our present and future,” shared the school.

“As a consequence of this federal mandate, the university-wide office for diversity, equity and inclusive engagement will close, effective immediately. To maintain alignment with our institutional values, we will establish the office for campus enrichment and engagement.”

Vibbert, however, believes the submission undermines CWRU’s values as a learning institution. She asserted her disdain for their statement and compliance with Trump’s order.

“The University is worried about its bottom line, but our bottom line is that we’re an educational institution. Our bottom line is not money…Our bottom line is education. Our bottom line is engineers, doctors, and lawyers. That’s our bottom line. Is providing that for society,” shared the staffer.

Vibbert still holds out hope that her university will stand up for inclusivity within its campus. She knows that it takes more.

“Certainly the faculty and the staff and the students care, and it’s just going to take a tiny bit of bravery, because we have to act like this is going to end,” said Vibbert.

Vibbert has become a standout for collegiate opposition to the new federal demands. Her actions align with those of Harvard’s officials, who have also refused to comply with the anti-DEI agenda.

blessings, Pope, Vatican, same-sex, marriage, couples

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis Dies At 88, Leaves Legacy Of Inclusivity And Commitment To The Poor

Pope Francis was known for following a life of simplicity while championing social causes

Pope Francis died Monday at his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, leaving a legacy of fostering inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church. He was 88.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis died the morning after Easter Sunday, the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, due to ongoing health issues. According to People, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Farrell said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Farrell continued, “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

As a native of Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American and first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His appointment in March 2013 marked the beginning of a new era for the church, as the religious leader championed social justice causes and advocated for marginalized groups during his tenure, including climate action and same-sex civil unions.

Pope Francis also modeled a life of simplicity, focusing on his commitment to helping poor people, given his humble background. According to his Vatican biography, he often repeated the phrase, “My people are poor and I am one of them.”

After holding several odd jobs throughout his adulthood, he became a chemical technician before being ordained as a priest in 1969. He rose through the ranks to become the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He became a Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, taking the highest position in the church following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

In 2020, the religious leader spoke out against the tragic murder of George Floyd. Denouncing violence, Francis said, “I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”

“Let us pray for the consolation of their grieving families and friends and let us implore the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn,” he said. “May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, intercede for all those who work for peace and justice in your land and throughout the world.”

However, his recent battle with double pneumonia led to a lengthy hospital stay. Pope Francis was released a month ago.

Global leaders and officials are offering their condolences to the man who sought to evolve the Roman Catholic church for a new generation. President Donald Trump also had flags raised at half-mast out of respect for the Pope’s death.

The news also impacts Black Catholics worldwide, who are heavily located in several sub-Saharan African nations. According to the data from the Pew Research Center obtained by the Catholic University of America, over 200 million people of African descent identify as Catholic. In the U.S., over 3 million Black people belong to the Catholic church. This includes five living African American bishops, two of whom serve as heads of U.S. dioceses.