by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 5, 2026

A TikToker Accused A Professor Of Murdering Four Students, Now She Must Pay $10M

A TikTok tarot card influencer has been ordered to pay a University of Idaho professor $10 million after falsely accusing her of orchestrating the brutal killings of four students.

A University of Idaho professor has been awarded a $10 million judgment after a TikTok tarot card influencer spread a bizarre and false conspiracy theory accusing her of orchestrating the brutal 2022 quadruple murders of four students.

On Feb. 27, a Boise, Idaho, jury in U.S. District Court ordered Texas-based fortune teller Ashley Guillard to pay $10 million after determining she falsely accused professor Rebecca Scofield of having a secret relationship with one of the four victims and orchestrating their murders, the Idaho Statesman reports. Following the verdict, Scofield said she hopes the case sends a clear warning that making “false statements online has consequences in the real world.”

“The murders of the four students on November 13, 2022, were the darkest chapter in our university’s history,” she said. “Today’s decision shows that respect and care should always be granted to victims during these tragedies. I am hopeful that this difficult chapter in my life is over, and I can return to a more normal life with my family and the wonderful Moscow community.”

Scofield, who chairs the history department at the University of Idaho, filed a lawsuit in December 2022 against Guillard, a Houston-based tarot card reader on TikTok. The suit came just weeks after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were fatally stabbed at an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022.

The lawsuit centered on a series of TikTok videos in which Guillard claimed, without evidence, that Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of the victims and orchestrated the killings. According to the complaint, Scofield had never met the victims and was out of state when the killings occurred.

Still, Guillard began posting videos to her more than 100,000 TikTok followers in late November 2022, falsely claiming Scofield had a secret relationship with one of the students and had “ordered” the murders, in videos that racked up millions of views. Even after receiving cease-and-desist letters and after police publicly confirmed Scofield had no connection to the crime, Guillard allegedly continued posting, declaring, “I am not stopping,” while questioning why Scofield needed three lawyers, “if she’s so innocent.”

Scofield’s legal team argued that the false accusations portrayed the professor as a criminal and threatened to damage her career. Guillard, who represented herself in court, argued that her statements reflected personal beliefs based on tarot card readings.

Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University at the time. Kohberger later pleaded guilty in a deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty and is now serving four consecutive life sentences in an Idaho state prison. Jurors awarded Scofield $7.5 million in punitive damages and an additional $2.5 million in compensatory damages.

“I want to thank the jury for their time and attention to this case. The judge had already ruled as a matter of law that the statements were false,” Scoffield said. “The $10 million verdict reinforces the judge’s decision and sends the clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world for real people and are unacceptable in our community.”

Australia, right to disconnect, work-life balance

by Kandiss Edwards

March 5, 2026

Millions Of American Workers Accepting Public Assistance To Make Ends Meet

CEOs, though, are taking home plenty.

Millions of low-wage workers for some of America’s largest retailers are relying on public assistance to survive.

A report by the Institute for Policy Studies examined 20 S&P 500 companies with the lowest median wages that have primarily U.S.-based workforces. According to the group, 6.7 million workers earn wages low enough to qualify for government assistance programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Researchers found that the median pay is still too low to be considered livable often falling below the income level that would make a family of three eligible for Medicaid in most states. Thirteen of the companies’ median wages fall below SNAP eligibility thresholds for a family of the same size.

In Nevada, for instance, 29.3% of Walmart employees and 48.4% of Amazon workers were enrolled in Medicaid in 2024, according to the study. Data from four states that disclosed SNAP enrollment connected to large employers showed that 10,920 Walmart workers and 9,633 Amazon employees received SNAP benefits that year.

Amazon leads the list of the lowest wage corporations with employees seeking supplemental assistance. Also included in the list are Chipotle, AutoZone, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, Darden Restaurants, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, FedEx, Kroger, Lowe’s, MGM Resorts, O’Reilly Automotive, Ross Stores, Starbucks, Tyson Foods, TJX, and Walmart.

NEW: From 2019-2024, average median worker pay at the 20 largest low-wage U.S. companies DECLINED by 4.6% when adjusted for inflation, from $30,474 to $29,087. Their average CEO pay in 2024 was $18.9 million.@msainat1 on new IPS findings in @GuardianUS: https://t.co/fRjviewrn2
— Institute for Policy Studies (@IPS_DC) March 4, 2026

CEOs, though, are taking home plenty. The average CEO compensation among the corporations evaluated reached $18.9 million. The staggering pay gap yields a CEO-to-worker pay ratio of roughly 899-to-1.

The report suggests ways to combat the low-pay-to-public-assistance pipeline, such as imposing financial penalties on companies whose employees rely heavily on public assistance programs due to low wages. The goal of the proposed policies is to shift more responsibility for worker compensation back onto employers.

Other policy proposals include offering great pay and protections and raising wages. Several cities have already adopted measures that link corporate tax rates to executive compensation ratios. Federal legislation like the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act and the CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act seek to apply similar incentives nationwide.

by Ida Harris

March 5, 2026

A CEO Of Vision And Virtue

At the center of Minter-Jordan’s leadership is what AARP calls the Longevity Economy

Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan has been asking the same question for nearly thirty years. The work of answering it has never been more essential. Today, she asks it as CEO of AARP, where she leads roughly 2,300 employees and nearly 60,000 volunteers on behalf of 125 million Americans aged 50-plus. She is the first physician to hold the job, and only the second woman in the organization’s 68-year history. The question she brings to every policy debate, budget line, and partnership is the one she has carried since her earliest days in medicine: what do people need to live well, and who is making sure they have it?

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 5, 2026

It’s A Wrap: Stefon Diggs To Be Released By New England Patriots

"Thank you for a hell of a year. We family forever," the wide receiver posted on social media.

Stefon Diggs will be looking for a new team. Again. The New England Patriots have reportedly informed the wide receiver that they intend to release him.

According to ESPN, less than a year after signing with the Patriots, the franchise has decided to let Diggs go, essentially making him a free agent once it becomes official. The action is expected to take place at the start of the 2026 league year on March 11.

Breaking: The Patriots are releasing Stefon Diggs, a source confirmed to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Z0G3VUferf
— ESPN (@espn) March 4, 2026

The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans, posted a message on his Instagram stories: “Thank you for a hell of a year. We family, forever.”

No reason was given publicly for the release, but it comes as Diggs facing accusations of violence from his former personal chef. He has been charged with felony strangulation and other criminal charges and has an upcoming pretrial hearing scheduled for April 1. In a recent court hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He has also been hit with a civil lawsuit on Feb. 3 by a former associate who accused Diggs of defamation and other serious civil offenses related to a stolen luxury vehicle.

Diggs, 32, inked a three-year, $69 million deal last March with the Patriots. Although he was injured when he signed the deal, he made an immediate impact once the games started. During the regular season, he had a team-high 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and scored four touchdowns. In the postseason, he had 14 receptions for 110 yards with a touchdown. The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl but lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13.

By the Patriots cutting Diggs loose before the start of the 2026 league year, the team won’t have to pay him a guaranteed $6 million.

strike, flight attendants,united airlines, la dodgers, biohazard, Dulles International Airport, vomiting

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 5, 2026

United Airlines May Ban Travelers From Its Planes If They Refuse To Use Headphones During Flight

The new rule of an outright ban is a first for any airline.

The next time you fly with United Airlines, don’t forget to pack your headphones.

The airliner has warned that it may begin booting travelers off flights permanently if they refuse to use their headphones for entertainment. Now, it has instituted an official policy against travelers who opt to play sounds loudly from their device speakers.

CBS News reported that the new policy, deemed a “contract of carriage,” was updated Feb. 27. The new clause dictates that flyers could face a permanent ban from United Airlines if they refuse to comply with the headphones-only rule. The clause explicitly stated United’s willingness to “refuse transport, on a permanent basis,” for any flyer who “fail[s] to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.”

While other U.S. airlines like American and Delta have similar policies, this latest stipulation of a permanent ban is new for the air travel industry. However, this repercussion will mainly apply to extreme cases if customers cause significant disruption on their United flight.

Fortunately, if one forgets their headphones, the airline has made provisions to ensure a ban is not totally imminent. United, as well as other airlines, typically provide a pair of earbuds so that flyers can enjoy their entertainment without disturbing others.

In addition, flight attendants follow protocols to address these incidents before they escalate to a permanent ban. Initially, flight crew members will speak to the passenger who committed the noise infraction to curtail their behavior. However, as some do not always comply, airlines may have to take heightened action to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for all on board.

While some may fear how this new rule may impact their next trip, one travel expert says not to worry as long as they follow common flying etiquette.

“This is in line with how the vast majority of travelers comport themselves and would like others to comport themselves,” shared travel expert Scott Keyes. “It’s usually only a small number of folks on airplanes who are making noise by not using headphones, so this is a graceful way to handle those folks.”

While those who refuse to fly with consideration for others may get the boot, passengers who exercise this practice should remain in good standing with United Airlines.

by Kandiss Edwards

March 5, 2026

Tuskegee Trains Next Generation Airmen With Aviation Program Scholarship

Evans was one of 30 students selected from a pool of approximately 400 applicants for the revived program.

Parker Evans, a Central High School senior, has secured a spot in Tuskegee University’s restored Tuskegee Airmen program.

He received a scholarship to study aviation at a historically Black college or university (HBCU). Evans accepted his $50,000 scholarship during a signing ceremony at Central High School, where he officially committed to attend Tuskegee University and study aviation science.

Evans was one of 30 students selected from a pool of approximately 400 applicants for the revived program. Evans said he has not yet decided whether he will pursue a career in civilian or military aviation. However, he is certain that he will achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.

“When I go to Tuskegee, my end goal is to become a pilot,” Evans said. “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot ever since I was a little kid.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tuscaloosa City Schools (@tcsboardofed)

Tuskegee University’s aviation science program and its Air Force ROTC pathway are part of the revived Tuskegee Airmen initiative. The program connects modern aviation training with the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering group of Black military pilots who served during World War II.

Evans said being selected for one of the first classes in the restored program carries historic meaning. He is one of the few who get to walk in the footsteps of trailblazers, and he takes the honor seriously.

“Who can say that they got to train where the Tuskegee Airmen are from?” he asked. “Not a lot of people get to say that.”

In 2025, Isaiah Hand became the first Tuskegee airman in 80 years to graduate from the aviation program with a private pilot’s license. Dr. Mark A. Brown, Tuskegee University’s president, praised Hand’s accomplishment as an example of the university’s renewed mission to move forward in excellence.

“Confident, excited, poised, and ready to tackle the most complex problems our world has to offer,” Brown said. “Like Isaiah, our students are excited about our Aviation Science Degree Program and ready to continue the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and serve our nation.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 5, 2026

Lisa Leslie Talks Legacy With UnRivaled League As She Mentors Next Gen Of Women’s Basketball

Leslie is helping push the needle forward for women's hoops through mentorship.

One of the greatest women’s basketball players is leaving an impact on the sport outside of the WNBA.

Lisa Leslie seemingly left it all on the court when she retired from professional women’s basketball in 2009. The Hall of Famer will still be remembered for her 3-time WNBA MVP titles and more accolades. However, a new league has allowed her to begin an era of mentoring young players.

Leslie has witnessed the opportunity for female hoopers grow tremendously since she laced up her shoes. While working as a color commentator for the Unrivaled league, she has decided to join the new wave as a guiding force for players.

“I just feel really blessed to be able to sit there and be a part of it, the small piece that I contribute, to just watch these women progress,” Leslie said to Andscape.

In her second season as a commentator for the league, she doesn’t just give her takes during gameplay. Instead, Leslie imparts wisdom to players as they evolve in their own careers. As players use the league’s premier facilities, Leslie has established her own presence to lend a helping hand.

She has publicly assisted current and future all-stars, including Angel Reese, Dominique Malonga, and Monique Billings. Becoming a role model in her post-hoops career has allowed Leslie to widen her legacy in the game. It is also a role she carries with honor, helping to strengthen women’s basketball for its next era.

“I want to make sure that as a role model, I’m giving back, paying it forward, and being of service to these players. We owe that to the game,” said Leslie.

What started as casual link-ups became established mentorship, with Leslie offering encouragement and guidance to help these players become champions. Billings has already called their relationship “incredible.”

“It’s been incredible the way that that woman pours into me, pours into us,” Billings said. “Nine-year-old me freaks out.”

Leslie has also worked with Reese, helping the Chicago Sky forward solidify her future legacy.

@espnw #AngelReese in the #gym with #LisaLeslie 💪 (🎥 @Unrivaled Basketball) #WNBA #HOF #training ♬ Appropriate Basketball – DJ BAI

“With Angel — just another player who was like, ‘I want to get better. I want you to help me.’ And that’s what I did,” Leslie said. “I just feel like it’s really the player who has that desire, who wants to be great. And you can tell the way that they show up, you know, when they text, they call, they want to do more.”

As the first woman to dunk in professional basketball, she also gives pointers to other players on how to do it. Beyond dunking, however, what Leslie wants to instill the most is self-confidence. Knowing firsthand what female hoopers experience on and off the court to prove their worth, Leslie keeps upliftment a top priority.

“That’s important to me, to make sure that they’re spiritually strong and just feel confident in themselves. It is important to help them mentally as well, because they’re dealing with a lot,” Leslie added.

Leslie will take on the commentary duties for the Unrivaled championship game on March 4. There, she will cheer on the new dynasty of players that she has helped grow in the sport.

“That’s the beautiful thing about arriving now, because [today’s players] understand what the past is and how we’ve helped build this. They’re building now for the future — for these little girls that are watching now.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 5, 2026

Actor Clifton Powell Says His Craft Took Decades To Pay Off

Reflecting on his early acting years, Powell explained that his financial breakthrough did not arrive until much later in his life.

Veteran actor Clifton Powell says it took decades before he began earning money for his acting career.

Powell discussed his career in an interview with the YouTube series The Art of Dialogue. The veteran actor reflected on years of financial hardship and financial instability despite appearing in highly popular films and television shows.

Powell said audiences may get the impression he was living comfortably because of his roles in projects such as Roc, Menace II Society, and Rush Hour; however, he was anything but financially stable.

The Next Friday star evaluated his humble beginnings. Powell said he was often embarrassed at times when he presented with less than luxurious items. His older vehicle was a point of shame at one point. He told the interviewer that he was once driving “a scooter” and “a lil Ford Festiva,” even while appearing in popular projects, which led to public recognition. He said he often lied about his means of transportation or attempted to hide from others.

Reflecting on those years, he explained that the financial breakthrough did not arrive until much later in his life.

“I really didn’t start making money until I was almost in, like, [my] early fifties,” Powell said.

After the breakthrough, Powell said he was acknowledged by those who’d shunned him for his financial situation.

“I’ve been left at clubs because I didn’t have money. Then those people want to circle back when you’re rich.”

https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/2028343588405252509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2028343588405252509%7Ctwgr%5E70a1ccc797f35eb7196774c9579b414268d6fb57%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthegrio.com%2F2026%2F03%2F03%2Fclifton-powell-reflects-on-not-making-money-as-an-actor-until-his-50s%2F

Despite the challenges, Powell said he remained committed to acting and refused to give up on the profession. Reflecting on the criticism and financial strain he experienced earlier in his career. Though he didn’t elaborate, he mentioned colorism, race, and poverty as barriers that he stood firm against and found his way around.

“When I look back on those days, I just feel blessed that I didn’t quit,” Powell said. “Because you get a lot of flak when you’re broke and poor and Black and dark.”

He went on to give advice to emerging actors and veterans alike: Don’t give up. Powell’s message centers on consistency, patience, and belief in oneself.

“You can’t put a timeframe on this,” he said. “You just gotta do your work.”

Donate, handshake, Black College Students

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 5, 2026

Fisk University Students Win $40K Scholarship In Experian Financial Pitch Contest

The students won for their social media-led "FinCheck" marketing campaign.

Four students at Fisk University have received a $40K scholarship after winning Experian and HomeFree-USA’s 2026 #IYKYK pitch competition.

The competition served to incorporate student-driven marketing ideas into Experian’s Big Financial Friend (BFF) campaign. The winning Team F2, comprised of students Hannah Daniel, Habeebah Dawodu, Remi Adeshina, and Kanchan Thapa, secured a second consecutive win for the HBCU.

Their acclaimed strategy, “FinCheck,” takes inspiration from a daily trend that has already made waves on social media. Instead of the popular “fit check,” the social-first campaign encourages Gen-Z to tap into their “FinCheck.” These videos will “normalize discussions around financial health, making it as routine and shareable as personal style,” as detailed in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The idea will also bring student and influencer-led activations to campuses nationwide. However, it primarily aims to introduce financial health practices such as credit locking and subscription services. The students expressed their own joy at winning again for Fisk, as they hope to shed more light on this initiative toward financial literacy.

“We came into this competition and said we’re going to put our best foot forward, we’re going to get up here, have fun, and we’re going to leave a lasting impact. This is just beyond words,” said Fisk biology major and Team F2 captain, Hannah Daniel.

The pitch competition has expanded the mission set by the Experian Credit Academy and the overarching Center for Financial Advancement. Its partnership with the National Urban League also brought several hundred students from multiple HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions. These scholars participated in credit education sessions and workshops, while offering financial awareness and services to this demographic.

With an ingrained purpose to make financial wellness accessible and empowering for the next generation, the Credit Academy has also leaned into ways to better connect with co-eds, leaning on student-led strategies to create impactful campaigns. The #IYKYK Pitch competition allowed students to apply their lessons to real-life strategy, while making them the Big Financial Friends in their own collegiate circles and diverse communities.

“Experian’s Credit Academy and #IYKYK Pitch Competition aims to modernize and normalize the conversation around money and credit in a fun and culturally relevant way for young adults. Our partnerships with HomeFree-USA, CFA, and the National Urban League are essential in helping us reach and empower the next generation of leaders. We were inspired to see how these scholars lean into the learning and proactively share their knowledge as BFFs for their peers and communities,” said Raudy Perez, senior director of External Inclusion and Belonging Partnerships for Experian North America.

As the Experian Credit Academy continues its investment in the financial savviness of Gen-Z, these HBCU scholars are doing their part to lead this movement.

RELATED CONTENT: Texas DEI Ban Threatens Over 130 Scholarships

by Kandiss Edwards

March 4, 2026

Cardi B Is Back In Court And Determined To Beef With Tasha K ‘Foreva!’

Almánzar’s latest legal request seeks a broadened review of Kebe’s financials

Cardi B is dedicated to her long-running legal dispute with YouTuber Tasha K.

Cardi is seeking a closer review of the blogger’s finances as part of an ongoing settlement, which awarded the rapper a $3.9 million defamation judgment, according to TMZ.

Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, is asking that Tasha K, whose legal name is Latasha Kebe, appear in person for a detailed examination of her financial records. The request is part of Cardi B’s efforts to secure her judgment against the blogger who has repeatedly said she would not pay.

Almánzar’s latest legal request seeks a broader review of Kebe’s financials. Attorneys for the WAP rapper want documentation of Kebe’s income streams, including bank statements, tax returns, and revenue through YouTube and other social media platforms. The move would allow Cardi B’s legal team to verify the blogger’s income to ensure previously submitted financial disclosures are accurate.

Cardi B Asks Judge to Force Tasha K to Show Her Finances in Ongoing Battle for $4 Million #cardib https://t.co/zfiehickLH pic.twitter.com/3iwoWLbhSS
— emmamary648 (@emmamary648) March 4, 2026

The legal conflict began in 2019 when Cardi B sued Kebe for defamation after the blogger made claims about the rapper’s health and marriage on her online platform. A jury later ruled in Cardi B’s favor and awarded approximately $3.9 million in damages for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

In 2025, the parties agreed to a structured repayment arrangement tied to Kebe’s bankruptcy proceedings. Under the agreement, Kebe is expected to pay $1.2 million over five years toward the judgment. She must provide quarterly disclosures detailing her finances. The settlement also includes a non-disparagement clause preventing Kebe from making “derogatory, disparaging, or defamatory” statements about Cardi B or her family.

Kebe previously stated in court filings that she filed for bankruptcy and has limited income. According to Tasha K, her earnings are primarily generated from digital content creation and social media.

The dispute between the rapper and the blogger has stretched across several years and multiple legal proceedings. Although the effort to receive her payment from Kebe has yet to yield significant fruit, it is clear Almánzar is willing to go to great lengths to collect.