Angel Reese — photo credit: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Stacy Jackson

June 25, 2025

Angel Reese Scores Another WNBA World Record

The "Bayou Barbie" is breaking records on the WNBA court. Reese said Tuesday night's win was personal for the Chicago Sky and "felt good."

Angel Reese is setting league records back to back this season, and after a win on June 24 against the Los Angeles Sparks, she’s become the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 150 rebounds and 50 assists in a single season.

The new record comes after the Sky defeated the Sparks, 97-86. “Just taking things day by day. Our coaches have [done] a good job,” Reese said, according to CBS Sports. “Tonight, we took it personal and knowing our matchups … we have to celebrate our small wins. Tonight felt really good for us.”

“We really wanted to win this one tonight,” she said. After taking some previous losses this season, Reese told the press that it’s crucial that her team sets the tone every game.

“You know, the messaging is just that we can’t have anything less than that effort-wise,” Sky coach Tyler Marsh said following Tuesday’s historic game. “If we give the right level of effort, if we take care of the ball, if we stay attentive to the game plan, then we’ll find ourselves in some of these games. And so, that’s been the messaging thus far.”

As mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Chicago Sky forward celebrated her first WNBA career triple-double earlier this month after her team defeated the Connecticut Sun, 78-66. After the big win, which, according to Marca, ended a three-game losing streak, Marsh praised Reese in front of her team for her potential and leadership. “Your potential is through the roof. Your talent is through the roof. And we ain’t never gonna put no limits on that,” Marsh told Reese. “You rebounded. You defended. All that is who you are for us, and all that is who we believe you can be for us night in and night out.”

https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1934310538336735369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1934310538336735369%7Ctwgr%5Ee3517579158fab9cbc67cdb7759831be8e7a52e2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2Fnews%2Fangel-reese-records-first-wnba-career-triple-double-as-sky-defeat-sun%2F

https://twitter.com/chicagosky/status/1934334176091574372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1934334176091574372%7Ctwgr%5E4645fa5c83111c166237c409c12a6932439c57fb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marca.com%2Fen%2Fbasketball%2Fwnba%2Fchicago-sky%2F2025%2F06%2F16%2F68500ede46163f7e398b4578.html

The former LSU star also recently set a record for becoming the fastest player to reach 500 points and grab 500 rebounds.

Diddy, Lawyer, Federal Raid — (Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 25, 2025

Prosecutors Drop Multiple Charges Against Diddy In Racketeering And Sex Trafficking Trial

The jury could start deliberating as early as June 30.

Sean “Diddy” Combs as his high-profile racketeering and sex trafficking trial comes to a close.

On June 24, prosecutors announced in a letter that they would no longer pursue charges related to attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking, Fox News reports. The decision comes as closing arguments in the trial are about to begin.

“The Government understands the Court’s desire for streamlined instructions. With that in mind, the Government has suggested ways to streamline those instructions,” the letter read. “Specifically, the Government has removed instructions from the charge relating to (i) attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, (ii) attempted arson under California law, and (iii) aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability, so instructions are no longer necessary.”

The same day the prosecutors dropped the charges, the prosecution and Combs’ defense concluded their cases after six weeks of testimony. The defense didn’t call any witnesses but presented evidence they said highlights inconsistencies in the testimonies.

Before officially resting their case, Combs’ legal team filed a motion for a judgment of acquittal, with attorney Alexandra Shapiro arguing that the government failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges against the rapper.

“There’s, at best, thin proof any of the other employees participated,” Shapiro said while also noting that “there is no evidence any of them believed he was sex trafficking.”

Combs’ defense team and prosecutors are set to finalize jury instructions on Wednesday. Closing arguments in the case against the embattled music mogul are expected to span the entirety of Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27. Jury deliberations could start as early as June 30.

New Year, New Job Offer, Equity Award Package, pell grants — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-gets-the-job-5439381/

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 25, 2025

Are Workers Giving Up On Climbing The Corporate Ladder To Job Security? Survey Reveals The Answer

Most would feel having a passion to climb the corporate ladder is the key to managing financial stress but that’s not the case.

A new survey is highlighting the struggles of employees seeking to thrive in the corporate world amid the crippling economy, shedding light on the stable nine-to-five being a thing of the past, Fortune reports.

In a report curated by background checking company Checkr, the idea of a “stable full-time job” is deemed a myth, according to 61% of 3,000 survey participants. Most feel that having a passion to climb the corporate ladder is the key to managing financial stress, but that’s not the case. Forty-two percent of respondents, primarily from the Gen Z demographic, admit to having a side gig in addition to their full-time job, but not by choice.

For some employees, financial stability is half the battle. Several believe that companies that provide opportunities to support their employees foster stronger loyalty.

“For employers, these insights are a call to action,” Checkr’s Director of Communications, David Patterson, said. “In a time when polywork is often a necessity, companies that take meaningful steps to support their employees’ financial stability might earn stronger loyalty and stand out as employers of choice.”

Talent firm meQuilibrium’s (meQ) Summer 2025 State of the Workforce Report supports the theory, tagging in the act of pessimism, uncertainty, and the disconnect employees feel within the corporate world, according to HR Dive. Its survey involved 5,477 employed adults, determining that the decline in work experience is “reaching critical levels, endangering employee well-being and undermining productivity.”

Pessimism, or the tendency to see the worst in things, stood out as the No. 1 reason employees struggle in the workplace. Sixty-seven percent of employees blame the political and economic climate of the U.S., while 35% said their work situation makes them feel worse.

Forty-nine percent of participants are stressed about their financial well-being. Brad Smith, chief science officer at meQ, said that pessimism should be employers’ biggest concern, as it directly undermines workplace productivity and mental health. “Pessimism in the workforce represents a greater threat than just complaining about one’s job around the water cooler — it directly undermines workplace productivity and mental health,” Smith said.

“We found that employees with work-related pessimism experience an over 60% reduction in productivity and 128% greater risk of depression.”

Workplace values also play a role in the way employees struggle. Checkr’s report found roughly 45% of overall employees claim they would take a pay cut if their job aligned with their values and provided opportunities for career expansion. “By recognizing that today’s workers want more than just titles—they want meaningful work, personal growth, and purpose-driven cultures—companies can design career paths that truly inspire,” the report finalized.

Candace Owens,trump — (Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

June 25, 2025

Candace Owens Says Trump Is Letting Israel Dictate US Foreign Policy

Candace Owens appeared on Pierce Morgan’s television program and claimed she carries "embarrassment" or supporting Trump.

Black conservative Candace Owens is displeased with Donald Trump’s performance in the White House and is voicing her regret.

The political pundit appeared on Piers Morgan’s news program and spoke candidly about her “embarrassment.” According to Owens, her unwavering support has its limits. Trump’s most recent actions concerning foreign policy have turned the tide. She places particular emphasis on the ongoing conflicts with Israel and Iran.

“I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him because this wasn’t going to happen, and it is happening,” Owens told Morgan.

Specifically, Owens condemned Trump’s directive for American B-2 bombers to strike three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The action is interpreted by many as doing the bidding of the Israeli government. Israel is currently attempting to diminish Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities. Owens contended that this decision was not solely Trump’s but rather influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Piers Morgan: "Are you done with Donald Trump?"

Candace Owens: "He's been a chronic disappointment, and I feel embarrassed that I told people to go vote for him… This is not the candidate that I voted for." pic.twitter.com/3gHAuaxgaM
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) June 25, 2025

“This was not Trump’s decision; it was Bibi Netanyahu’s decision. And that is the reason that he did it. We’re very aware that Israel is dictating our foreign policy, and we’d now like that to stop,” she told Morgan. She further argued there was “no imminent threat” to the United States justifying the strikes, a claim at odds with some administration perspectives.

Her comments circulated quickly on social media. Her vocal denouncement of Trump represents a notable departure. Owens had been a vocal champion of Trump and his “Make America Great Again” rhetoric.

Owens’ stark declaration reveals minor dissent in the conservative movement. Some former supporters of Trump are beginning to reassess their allegiance. This public denouncement arrives at a critical juncture in politics. Discussions surrounding presidential campaigns and geopolitical strategies are intensified due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her statements could signal a new wave of conservative voices who want to distance themselves from a seemingly unpopular administration.

A Harlem Tale: Cam’ron Signs Book Deal Worth $750K

by Kandiss Edwards

June 25, 2025

A Harlem Tale: Cam’ron Signs Book Deal Worth $750K

Cam'ron joins the literary world and is giving an unfiltered look at his life and career

Cam’ron Giles can now add author to his growing list of accomplishments after securing a new book deal.

The It Is What It Is podcast host is receiving $750,000 to pen a memoir for Simon & Schuster. The Harlem native is known for his honest and sometimes abrasive embrace of his truth. The playful and straight-forward media personality will try his hand at literature. He will give an unfiltered look at his life and journey through the entertainment industry.

In a press release, the book is described as an “unfiltered look into Cam’ron’s rise from the streets of Harlem to the top of the rap game, and his evolution into a respected media personality, fashion figure, and businessman.”

The rapper is excited about the prospect of adding a new medium to his repertoire. He is hoping for a 2026 release.

“I’m happy to have this deal done,” said Cam’ron. “Hopefully, the book will be released February of 2026 and that everyone can take something from my memoir when they read it.”

On June 24, Killa Cam announced his new six-figure deal via Instagram.

Cam’ron Giles can now add author to his growing list of his accomplishments after securing a new book deal. The It Is What It Is host is receiving $750,000 to pen a memoir for Simon and Schuster. The Harlem-native is known for his honest and sometimes abrasive embracing of his truth. The playful and straight-forward media personality will try his hand at literature. The will give an unfiltered look at his life and journey through the entertainment industry. In a press release, the book is described as an “unfiltered look into Cam’ron’s rise from the streets of Harlem to the top of the rap game, and his evolution into a respected media personality, fashion figure, and businessman.” The rapper is excited about the prospect of adding a new medium to his repertoire. He is hoping for a 2026 release. “I’m happy to have this deal done,” said Cam’ron. “Hopefully the book will be released February of 2026 and that everyone can take something from my memoir when they read it.” June 24, Killa Cam made an announcement about his new six-figure deal via Instagram.

Multimillion-Dollar Deals

This isn’t the first big deal for Cam’ron. The $750,000 is a paltry sum compared to his most recent dealings. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on a multimillion‑dollar deal with Revolt for his celebrity news podcast, Talk With Flee!.

In a social‑media post shared June 17, Cam’ron made it clear the deal carries financial heft. The specifics remain undisclosed, but the phrase “multimillion‑dollar” leaves little to the imagination. He also gave a shout out to his late mother, Fredericka Giles, writing that “this ain’t a run I’m on. It’s a f—ing marathon. My mom is up in heaven working. Miss and love you.”

Indeed, the marathon continues for Cam’ron, who, after a successful rap career, is turning into quite the mogul.

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CAM’RON BET ON HIMSELF, AND IT’S THE REALEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT HE’S SEEN BY FAR

McDonalds,lawsuit, executives — photo credit: pexels

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 25, 2025

Former Black McDonald’s Franchisees Join Boycott Against The Company

They will join the boycott amid their own lawsuit against McDonald's for alleged unfair treatment.

More than 40 Black former McDonald’s franchisees have banded together to join a nationwide boycott against the fast food chain.

The news comes amid their lawsuit against McDonald’s for alleged discrimination in its franchise program. According to a press release, the franchisers claimed they could only buy stores with lower profits and higher costs. As the stores appeared unsustainable, they had no choice but to sell to white operators for a lower market value.

“When many of us entered the McDonald’s franchise program, we discovered the corporation would relegate us to only buying stores with lower profits and higher costs,” detailed a statement representing the former McDonald’s franchisees. “When many of us tried to buy stores with greater profits, we were denied, and had to watch those more lucrative stores go to white owners. While we struggled to make our stores profitable, we were consistently faced with unreasonable demands that white owners did not face, and we were consistently denied support and financial relief that white owners were routinely offered.”

The slew of disgruntled franchisees filed the class action lawsuit against McDonald’s in 2023. They also described “overtly racist responses” from executives of the restaurant chain. They claimed the harsh backlash came from addressing the unfair treatment and ways to boost the stores’ profits.

Now, the former franchisees have shared their support and participation in a boycott by The People’s Union USA. According to Afrotech, the protest against all McDonald’s locations will take place from June 24 to 30. It intends to address the company’s dismantling of DEI initiatives.

“So abandoning their stated values is nothing new to McDonald’s: they long ago abandoned us, their Black franchisees. And, by doing so, the McDonald’s corporation also abandoned its alleged commitment to the Black communities it relies on for its customers and employees,” added the news release. “As Black entrepreneurs, we tried to build wealth in those communities, we tried to give back to those communities, but we all were forced out in favor of white owners.”

The move hopes to follow the successful boycott against Target for its rollback of DEI policies. Sparked earlier this year, communal and faith leaders such as Pastor Jamal Bryant spearheaded the movement. The ongoing refusal to shop at Target has led to consecutive weeks of declining sales and decreased quarterly earnings.

The People’s Union USA hopes McDonald’s earnings will face a similar fate to spark change. They aim to show that the power lies in the hands of the masses.

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A post shared by John Schwarz (@theonecalledjai)

The franchisees’ involvement in the boycott also amplifies this mission. They hope it will strengthen commitments to Black customers, employees, and future operators.

“We join The People’s Union USA and other organizations and community leaders in calling for a boycott of McDonald’s until they keep their promises, renew their commitment to the Black community, and finally do right by the Black owners and operators like us who deserved—but did not get—a fair shot at success.”

baseball, high school, racism — Photo by PeopleImages/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2025

No Mercy: Fan’s Gutter-Level Insult Targeting MLB Player’s Dead Mother Leads To Swift Ejection

The comment was made towards Arizona Diamondback's second baseman, Ketel Marte

Major League Baseball player Ketel Marte was caught up in an emotional moment, caught by cameras after a baseball fan shouted derogatory comments about his deceased mother, Elpidia Valdez, who tragically died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.

According to AZ Central, the rude fan, who was ejected from the game, disrespected the Arizona Diamondbacks’ player when he said things about the baseball player’s mother. The incident occurred between innings, but cameras captured the emotional reaction as several players and the team’s manager, Torey Lovullo, were at the pitching mound to console Marte.

Ketel Marte was in tears after a fan shouted something regarding his late mother that passed away in a car accident in 2017. Manager Torey Lovullo and Geraldo Perdomo consoled him after the incident

The fan was removed from the ballpark. pic.twitter.com/gSyJpElalx

— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) June 25, 2025

The scene took place during the seventh inning of the game between the Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox in Chicago at Rate Field on June 24.

The manager stated that the inconsiderate fan directed the comments to Marte while he was at bat at the top of the seventh inning. The incident upset Marte and several of his teammates and coaches. Diamondbacks’ shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who was at the mound to help comfort Marte, called for officials at MLB to do something about the disrespectful ways fans have been speaking to and treating baseball players of late.

“That can’t happen,” Perdomo said. “Everybody knows how Ketel is. He’s fun. He plays the game hard. I feel bad for him. I feel mad about it. I hope MLB can do something with that guy. I don’t know who it was, but they’ve got to do something. We can’t continue to do that s**t here in MLB.”

Stadium officials confirmed that the fan was ejected and will not be allowed to attend any more White Sox games.

The Associated Press reported that, according to a White Sox spokesperson, stadium security stated that the ejected fan was “very apologetic and remorseful after the fact, and admitted to being very inappropriate and stupid with his comments.”

The game started out great for Marte as he hit a home run earlier in the game that the Diamondbacks won, 4-1.

Cannes Lions Festival, team, work, hand — (Photo: Monstera Production/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 25, 2025

Cannes Lions Festival 2025 ‘Disappointingly’ Reflects Rollback Of DEI

The rollback of DEI was felt at the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival.

The 2025 Cannes Lions Festival witnessed a noticeable decline in conversations and representation around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), indicating that the rollback of DEI efforts is spreading beyond the corporate world into the entertainment industry.

“There were disappointingly few discussions devoted to addressing diversity,” Rania Robinson, CEO of London agency Quiet Storm, told ADWEEK.

This year’s Cannes Lions featured fewer DEI-focused sessions at the Palais and noticeably less discussion about the topic offstage. While there were some standout moments, like Havas and The New York Times’ session on neurodiversity and ZBD Talent’s “The Inclusion Revolution”, the overall focus of the festival leaned heavily toward the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), leaving DEI largely in the background.

“Conversations that once centered on equity, representation, and systemic progress were largely replaced with AI, ROI, and humor as the new creative currency,” said Ted Kohnen, CEO of agency Park & Battery.

The subtle drawback of DEI conversations at Cannes reflects a broader trend of corporations scaling back their diversity commitments in response to growing political pressure from conservative groups. Mega corporations like Target, Walmart, and Amazon have faced backlash and boycotts for publicly rolling back their DEI efforts.

New research from the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) revealed that marketers are becoming increasingly hesitant to express their values or take public stances in today’s volatile and politically charged global climate. According to the WFA’s survey of global marketers, 81% stated that the current environment feels riskier than it did just a year ago.

Although DEI conversations were less prominent at Cannes this year, the work that received top honors reflected a broader range of global voices. Several Grand Prix awards recognized campaigns championing disability inclusion, gender equality, and the fight against racial injustice.

“While diversity wasn’t trending in the talks or headlines, it was still present in the work, in casting, in storytelling, and in the topics brands are willing to tackle,” said Alex Bennett-Grant, co-founder of Amsterdam agency We Are Pi. “The creative industry hasn’t turned away from it—not yet.”

Grant Hill, Tamia Hill, Orlando City Soccer Club, Pride, sports — Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2025

Grant Hill Joins ‘NBA On NBC’ Squad As Analyst

'I’m incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage. The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country.'

NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill has taken a role as a sports analyst for NBC Sports for the upcoming NBA season.

The network announced the hiring of the Detroit Pistons legend, who will be joining other NBA legends on the broadcast team later this year when the NBA season starts. NBC Sports previously announced the addition of game analysts Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller, and studio analysts Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter. For the first time, the legendary Michael Jordan will be a special contributor.

“I’m incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage. The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country. To be part of NBC’s return to the NBA — a network with such a rich basketball legacy — and its debut on Peacock is truly an honor. I can’t wait to get started this fall.”

Naismith Hall of Famer, 7-Time All-Star, and now NBA on NBC and Peacock Game Analyst.

Welcome to the team, Grant Hill! pic.twitter.com/ysz27bt6ZO

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) June 24, 2025

Currently, Hill is USA Basketball’s managing director of the U.S. Men’s National Team, as well as a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and co-owner of MLS (Major League Soccer)’s Orlando City SC and NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League)’s Orlando Pride, and is also part of MLB (Major League Baseball)’s Baltimore Orioles’ ownership group.

Before embarking on an 18-year career in the NBA, Hill helped Duke University win two consecutive NCAA championships as a starter on the college squad. Although he never won an NBA championship, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, NBA Co-Rookie of the Year in 1995, a gold medalist with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a three-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.

He played with the Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers before untying his sneakers for good. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Kyrie Irving, Texas, HBCU, Paul Quinn College — (Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2025

Kyrie Irving To Opt Out Contract To Sign 3 Year Extension With Dallas Mavericks

The point guard is reportedly inking a 3 year $119 million contract extension

A rumored report states that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will decline a $43 million player option with the team so he can sign a three-year extension.

According to a social media post by ESPN NBA insider, Shams Charania, the New Jersey-bred basketball player will ink a three-year $119 million contract extension when he does opt out of his player option.

ESPN story on Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving intending to sign a three-year, $119 million contract to stay with the franchise: https://t.co/hXXubJ6tVz

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2025

Charania stated in an ESPN report that Irving’s stepmother and sports agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, negotiated the latest contract with the Mavericks. The new deal will keep the point guard in Dallas for an additional three years when he can activate a player option for the 2027-28 season, according to sources. Irving is currently nursing an ACL injury suffered during the last NBA season.

Before the season-ending injury occurred, Irving, who tore his ACL in his left knee in March, was averaging 24.7 points, pulling down 4.8 rebounds, and handing out 4.6 assists. He, along with current Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic, led the Mavericks to the NBA championship, where they fell flat against the Boston Celtics in 2024. Doncic was traded midseason for former Lakers center Anthony Davis, increasing Irving’s value to the team.

The Mavericks with the number one draft pick (taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, June 25) are expected to take Cooper Flagg, who declared for the NBA Draft after playing his collegiate career with Duke University. They also just negotiated a three-year contract extension with their center, Daniel Gafford. With Davis, who now plays his more natural position at the forward spot, the team has high expectations of returning to the NBA championship as soon as the upcoming season. However, Irving is not expected to be ready to start the season with his current injury.