by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 26, 2025

Atlanta Judge Orders Jewelry Confiscated During 2022 Raid Of Young Thug’s Home Be Returned

The rapper requested the return of a Rolex Datejust watch; a diamond cross pendant; a necklace with circular and square green jewels; a diamond double-row tennis necklace; and two diamond stud earrings.

Young Thug, who requested that the jewelry, cars, and cash taken away from him after his May 2022 arrest be returned, will get some of those items back..

According to XXL, a judge told the state of Georgia that it needed to give the Atlanta rapper back the jewelry that’s currently still in their possession.

Thug wants some of the pieces back, while Rafaello & Company, a jeweler, is claiming other pieces that were taken during the raid. In the judge’s ruling, he ordered the state to turn the jewelry over to the jewelers “to facilitate the agreement reached by Rafaello” and the “Stoner” rapper.

The requested items include a Rolex Datejust watch, a diamond cross pendant, a necklace with circular and square green jewels, a diamond double-row tennis necklace, and two diamond stud earrings.

A judge has ordered the state of Georgia to return dozens of pieces of jewelry that were seized during the 2022 raid on Young Thug’s home.

Young Thug has staked a claim on some of the pieces, while jeweler Rafaello & Company has claimed ownership of others. The judge has agreed… pic.twitter.com/Xc0uCshnFp

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) February 25, 2025

There has been no word on the release of the $149,426 in cash he claims was taken or the cars—a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, a 2022 Porsche 911, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach, and two Mercedes-Benz AMG GTs—that are still in the state’s possession. A Feb. 21 court appearance to discuss the matter was postponed.

It looks like he will have that jewelry to wear when he performs his first live show since his release from prison.

According to Billboard, Young Thug will headline the third day of Belgian music festival Les Ardentes on July 5. The festival’s social media account posted a promotional flyer letting its followers know of Thug’s upcoming show.

“HISTORY. YOUNG THUG IS BACK TO HEADLINE LES ARDENTES!

5TH JULY AT LES ARDENTES. TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY !!🎫”

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A post shared by Les Ardentes (@lesardentes)

According to the festival’s website, this will be Thug’s first appearance there in eight years. Tickets are on sale now.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 26, 2025

Airline Passenger Arrested After Being Caught With Cocaine Stitched Under Toupee

The suspect was caught with 220 grams of cocaine as he was trying to travel on a flight to Amsterdam

A man was arrested at a Colombian airport after he tried to smuggle bags of cocaine under his toupee.

The Metropolitan Police of Cartagena said that a 40-year-old man was caught with 220 grams of cocaine while trying to go through airport security after a scanner showed the drugs in the toupee. The incident occurred as the man was trying to travel on a flight to Amsterdam.

Colombia police officials said that under the hairpiece were 19 cocaine capsules, which would amount to 400 doses of cocaine that would have a value of 10,000 euros (10,485.05 USD) in international markets.

Police authorities released a video clip of the capture and retrieval of the drugs found on the suspect. In the short clip, a police officer is seen taking scissors through the man’s hair and then cutting through the hairpiece to reveal the drugs he had hidden in the toupee.

¡‘Narcopeluca’ en Cartagena!

Detalles: https://t.co/h47nOGiUY4 pic.twitter.com/2CbJHZPnG6

— Policía de Colombia (@PoliciaColombia) February 24, 2025

“We are giving forceful blows against these criminal structures that not only dispute the local drug trafficking but also generate different violent acts and other types of crimes that alter tranquility and coexistence. We continue to insist on the importance of the community being our main ally. We provide timely information, which helps us identify and locate criminals,” Brigadier Gen. Gelver Yecid Peña Araque, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cartagena, said.

Araque also stated that, so far this year, more than 450 people have been captured for drug trafficking. In contrast, more than 115 kilos of hallucinogens have been seized, including marijuana, coca base, and cocaine.

The suspect was charged with the crime of trafficking, manufacture, and possession of narcotic substances by the Attorney General’s Office.

CBS News reported that the suspect had two prior drug trafficking convictions.

“Organized crime groups are exploiting young people, falsely suggesting they can easily bypass our security measures,” said Cartagena Police Commander Gen. Gelver Yesid Peña. “However, this case demonstrates that is not true.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 26, 2025

Judge Rules AP’s White House Access Doesn’t Need To Be ‘Immediately’ Restored But Encourages It

The judge cautioned the White House that the law isn't on their side regarding the news agency failing to comply with executive orders...

A federal judge denied the Associated Press (AP) emergency relief request for White House access to be “immediately” restored but wants the Trump administration to consider it since there was no “irreparable harm,” the Associated Press reports.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden told lawyers representing the Trump administration and AP that his ruling was temporary as the issue needed further examination. However, he pressed the Trump team to reconsider its two-week-old ban as case law “is uniformly unhelpful to the White House,” cautioning them that the law isn’t on their side to ban a publication for failing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” “It seems pretty clearly viewpoint discrimination,” McFadden told government attorney Brian Hudak.

A reporter from the news organization was banned from the White House on Feb. 11 for failing to comply with one of Trump’s executive orders that changed the body of water’s name. “Today, we were informed by the White House that if AP did not align its editorial standards with President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, AP would be barred from accessing an event in the Oval Office,” AP’s Senior Vice President Julie Pace, said in a statement.

“This afternoon, AP’s reporter was blocked from attending an executive order signing.”

After McFadden’s decision, AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said the team looks forward to its next hearing as they fight for the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and press. “We look forward to our next hearing on March 20, where we will continue to stand for the right of the press and the public to speak freely without government retaliation,” Easton said.

“This is a fundamental American freedom.”

According to BBC, AP said they would continue to label the Gulf of Mexico as is while acknowledging the Trump administration’s efforts to rename it. Since then, the publication, which hundreds of news outlets depend on, has been banned from the White House and Air Force One but permitted on White House grounds.

In a suit filed by AP, three administration figures, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, were named as it continues to push for access. In a statement, the Trump administration argues that White House access is “a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right.” “That’s not just special access. That’s extra-special access,” Hudak said. “The president can choose who to speak with.”

Since Trump made the decision to ban the AP, several fellow publications, including conservative outlets Fox and NewsMax, have signed a letter supporting the White House’s reconsideration of its position on AP.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 26, 2025

Gen Z’s ‘Quiet Quitting’ Is A Response To Poor Leadership, Research Finds

Gen Z workers aren’t “quiet quitting,” they’re disengaging from outdated leadership models.

New research reveals that Gen Z workers are “quiet quitting” due to ineffective and outdated leadership practices — not laziness.

Fast Company’s Jeff LeBlanc analyzed surveys, interviews, and case studies across various industries and determined that Gen Z’s so-called “quitting” is actually a rational response to workplaces lacking fairness, structure, and alignment with employee values. Instead of blaming the young workers, company leaders should look within and ask, “What are we doing wrong?” LeBlanc says.

“Gen Z grew up amid economic uncertainty, social justice movements, and an increasing focus on mental health. They don’t just want jobs; they want workplaces that prioritize psychological safety, transparency, and fairness,” LeBlanc writes.

And while this is the case for not just Gen Z, but many professionals across age groups, many companies continue to operate with outdated management styles, unobtainable corporate ladders, unclear expectations, and ambiguous career paths. When this is the operating style, Gen Z opts out of sticking around to suffer in silence and instead will jump ship or “quietly quit.”

When taking a deeper look, it’s clear that Gen Z seeks fairness in the workplace and not just a charismatic leader who motivates them. Without these elements, disengagement becomes inevitable.

To bridge the generational divide, LeBlanc presents the Engaged Empathy Leadership Model (EELM) as a solution. This leadership framework aims to retain and engage Gen Z talent by emphasizing three key elements: kindness, fairness, and structure.

By showing kindness, leaders who truly care and empathize can foster trust and psychological safety within their teams. Employees show more engagement when they feel valued as individuals, not merely as workers.

Fairness aligns with Gen Z’s expectation of equal treatment in promotions, pay, and opportunities. If they perceive favoritism or a lack of transparency, they become disengaged.

For Gen Z, structure isn’t about rigidity. They’re looking for clear expectations, consistent feedback, and transparent decision-making to avoid feeling stagnant or uncertain about the direction of their efforts.

Cannabis|Black, Florida, marijuana, THC, law, Cannabis

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 26, 2025

Alabama State University Becomes First HBCU To Offer Cannabis Certifications To Students

Alabama State University is the first HBCU to offer cannabis certificate programs.

Alabama State University is making history as the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) and one of the first institutions in its state to offer cannabis education programs.

On Feb. 24, ASU unveiled the five online cannabis education professional programs offered in partnership with Green Flower, a leading cannabis education and training company. The new programs align with Alabama’s 2021 marijuana legalization and are designed to equip students for careers in the state’s growing cannabis industry and beyond, AI reports.

“These programs provide a great foundation for anyone interested in a career in the cannabis industry,” said Jay Czarkowski, founding partner in Canna Advisors.

“This type of training will help you stand out to hiring managers and companies alike in this highly competitive industry.”

A 24-week online certification, the curriculum offers insights and expertise from industry-leading cannabis professionals across five specialized programs.

ASU programs include:

• Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine

• Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture

• The Business of Cannabis

• Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management

• Cannabis Product Development & Design

The launch of these programs follows ASU’s initial announcement last August, driven by the increasing demand for jobs in the cannabis industry.

“Individuals who may be growers or cultivators, and those individuals who may be dispensers, they will be looking for a trained workforce,” Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton Ross said at the time.

ASU’s cannabis certificate programs build on Jacksonville State’s cannabis micro-credential, both of which aim to help students capitalize on business opportunities in the legal marijuana industry. These two HBCUs join a growing number of colleges offering similar programs and specialized courses to prepare students for careers in the expanding cannabis sector.

As more states legalize marijuana, colleges are increasingly offering cannabis-focused coursework and certifications. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Alabama became the 36th state to legalize medical marijuana, joining 47 states with similar laws. In response, growth labs and testing facilities are being developed across the state.

However, despite Alabama’s 2021 legalization of medical marijuana for certain conditions, products remain unavailable for legal purchase.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia’s Hemp Farming Act Is Now In Motion

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2025

Wes Moore No Longer Thinks He Can Work With The Trump Administration After Governors Meeting

Moore plans to push his office to counter Trump after hearing "personal grievances."

After spending several days in meetings with the nation’s governors, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) no longer feels he will be able to work with the Trump-Vance administration in the capacity he once hoped, the Baltimore Banner reported.

Moore opened up about his experience in Washington, D.C., and said he left feeling unsure about the relationships between the current administration and state leaders. “I come back from Washington with no illusion about what kind of partnership that this administration is trying to forge with our nation’s governors,” the Democratic governor said.

After witnessing President Donald Trump threaten to withhold federal funding from Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, for failing to comply with executive orders regarding trans athletes, Moore said instead of working with them, he plans to push his office to counter Trump and put pressure on Maryland’s lawmakers, including Attorney General Anthony Brown, to do the same. He wants them to take it seriously and to “move appropriately,” as Moore feels there is a crisis brewing. “If this first month is any indication of where things are going, we as lawmakers had better take this moment seriously,” Moore continued.

“If things come across our bow that are either illegal or unconstitutional, there will be a legal response from the state of Maryland.”

While Moore admitted to not having any one-on-one time with the 47th President, he mentioned Trump giving an hour-long speech during a luncheon where a number of back-and-forth rhetoric took place. What he noticed was how Trump failed to mention any plans to help the American people — like lowering the cost of eggs and other groceries, making prescription medication more affordable, or cutting taxes for lower-class families.

He said instead, what he heard were “grievances, personal grievances.”

“I heard a person stand there and say that I won the election. I’m now a three-time elected president of the United States. That’s not helping anybody. It’s definitely not helping any Maryland families right now,” the governor said, according to Maryland Matters.

“This was the first time that the new president had a chance to be around … us and hopefully build that type of relationship. I think for all of us, we were not just deeply underwhelmed, but I think we were troubled.”

Fellow Maryland leaders shared similar thoughts about the way Trump has moved with only 35 days in the Oval Office. After Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott announced he will continue with the city’s immigration policies, House Republicans claim Moore was adding fuel to the fire with his outspoken remarks. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) said Moore has too much to lose by picking a fight with the indicted President.

With Maryland being home to 160,000 federal employees, Moore is hoping to utilize federal funding to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed in 2024, in addition to building a new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 25, 2025

Sean Garrett To Discuss How AI Will Impact Global Artists At 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit In Zanzibar

Sean Garrett and other music industry powerhouses are honoring Africa’s influence on global music at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit.

Singer-songwriter and producer Sean Garrett is bringing his musical influence to Zanzibar, Africa, to participate in two impactful panel discussions at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit.

A press release states that the premier global event celebrating African and Afro-inspired music will take place from Feb. 24 to 25 and feature two high-profile panels with acclaimed songwriter, producer, and artist Sean Garrett. Discussions will explore how African musicians can navigate the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and strategies for more African artists to achieve global stardom.

The event will showcase global artists from over 30 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, competing in 24 categories. Garrett’s participation underscores his strong commitment to the international music scene and his dedication to empowering the next generation of artists.

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A post shared by Trace Awards & Summit 2025 (@traceawards)

For the AI-focused panel titled “The AI Takeover: Will African Producers & Artists Become Irrelevant or Unstoppable?”, Garret will join Vivek Ganesh (Business Development, ByteDance-TikTok), Seven Mosha (Artist Development Manager, Sony Music EA), and Raj Kulasingam (Senior Counsel, Dentons) to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the music industry and its influence on African talent.

In the second panel, Garrett will join industry leaders, including Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz, Kudjo Sogadzi (President, Mediaco Holding Inc.), Sean Okeye (Brand & Talent Manager, Rema), and Adam Tiran (COO, Africon) for a discussion on strategies to elevate African artists to global recognition.

Each panel and activity aligns with the TRACE Awards & Summit’s mission to celebrate African and Afro-inspired music and culture, uniting artists, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the evolution of music and its global influence.

Garrett brings over two decades of global chart-topping success to the event. Known as Sean Garrett “The Pen,” he first rose to prominence with his production on Usher’s 2004 smash hit Yeah! This was followed by a string of hits, including Goodies by Ciara, Check On It by Beyoncé, Run It by Chris Brown, London Bridge by Fergie, and his production and feature on Mario’s No. 1 hit, Break Up, among many others.

Throughout his career, Garrett has been a driving force in contemporary R&B, consistently pushing the genre forward. His recent work as executive producer on Summer Walker’s Still Over It—which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200—further cements his reputation as a modern R&B maestro.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2025

Kyrie Irving’s Latest ANTA Signature Sneaker Is About To Drop

'The KAI 2 is a culmination of everything I’ve envisioned—seamlessly merging cutting-edge innovation with futurism to bring my creative evolution to life.'

Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving and ANTA are releasing the latest signature sneaker, KAI 2 “Artist on Court.”

The latest sneaker from Irving will be released on Friday, Feb. 28, for $140. Irving wore the new sneakers during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

Kyrie Irving debuts his new ANTA KAI 2 at 2025 NBA All-Star Practice 🔥 pic.twitter.com/trs4hUPIz9

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 15, 2025

“The KAI 2 is a culmination of everything I’ve envisioned—seamlessly merging cutting-edge innovation with futurism to bring my creative evolution to life,” Irving said in a written statement. “From the laces to the look and feel, every detail reflects the most dynamic and expressive shoe I’ve ever worn. No one’s shoes look like this. It’s about bringing the art of footwear to life in a way that’s never been done before.”

The latest footwear from ANTA will provide some innovative features like a hand-painted toebox, a reimagined ANTA logo, unique heel embroidery, textured velvet laces, a speckled midsole, and a “GATE” heel design.

The latest footwear will be available online at Anta on Feb. 28, as well as these select stores:

Dallas, Texas — Sneaker Politics
New York, New York — Extra Butter
San Francisco, California — Nice Kicks
Jersey City, New Jersey — Sneaker Room
Atlanta, Georgia — Social Status
Las Vegas, Nevada — Feature

The KAI 2 can also be purchased around the globe in China, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.

As ANTA Basketball’s Chief Creative Officer, Irving, after signing his father, Drederick, last summer to his own signature sneaker, the Mavericks player recently announced the signing of three NBA players to join the team as brand ambassadors. In January, the company brought on Cleveland Cavaliers’ Caris LeVert (who was teammates with Irving during their time with the Brooklyn Nets), Los Angeles Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr., and Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford (who is currently a teammate of Irving’s). ANTA stated that they “exemplify the values of teamwork, resilience, and excellence,” which aligns with the brand’s mission.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2025

Don Lemon Lets Megyn Kelly Have It Over Joy Reid Comments, Telling Her ‘Go F— Yourself’

Lemon dragged Kelly down for seemingly being a “mean girl” of the industry.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon slammed ex-Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly for celebrating the cancellation of Joy Reid’s MSNBC show, telling her “go f‑‑‑ yourself.”

During the Hot Topic segment of YouTube’s The Don Lemon Show, Lemon stood in solidarity with Reid, shouting her out for supporting him when he was shunned from CNN in 2023. With an expletive-filled speech, the journalist called Kelly out for being the worst person on television, a racist, and anti-women when she claims to be an advocate while sipping from a Megyn Kelly Today mug, calling them “tears.”

Seemingly mocking the same advice she gave to the hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Lemon did the same for Kelly. “Let me just say to Megan Kelly, in my 30-some years as a journalist and my 50-some years as a person of color: Go f‑‑‑ yourself,” Lemon said before taking another sip from the mug.

Reid’s evening MSNBC news show, The ReidOut, aired its last episode on Feb. 24 after the show was abruptly canceled in late February following a line-up shakeup. After Reid posted an emotional response, Kelly continued to poke fun at her, claiming Reid “mocked the tears of every white person” and no one should feel sorry for her. “Joy Reid has viciously mocked the tears of every white person she’s helped cancel over the years for some imaginary racial slight,” Kelly wrote.

“She’s had zero empathy for anyone. Now she wants us to feel sorry for her. WE DON’T.”

Joy Reid has viciously mocked the tears of every white person she’s helped cancel over the years for some imaginary racial slight. She’s had zero empathy for anyone. Now she wants us to feel sorry for her.
WE DON’T. https://t.co/Wk1zv7wZd3
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 24, 2025

As Lemon dragged Kelly down for seemingly being a “mean girl” of the industry and claimed her revamp is based on being a troll, several “Lemonheads” agreed with his viewpoints. One viewer said she was “feigning for Elon Musk’s attention,” while another labeled her as another Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).

Other legislative dignitaries and media colleagues have also stood in solidarity with Joy Reid, including one of MSNBC’s biggest stars, Rachel Maddow, and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki. According to The Hill, both women opened up their shows by showing respect for Reid. Maddow took things up a notch and specifically called the network out for its lack of nonwhite anchors, calling her colleague’s firing a “mistake.”

Lemon ended his show by highlighting the convenient number of changes happening on networks related to anchors of color, including NBC’s Lestor Holt, who announced he would be stepping down from NBC Nightly News after 10 years behind the desk.

Rudy Giuliani, Bankruptcy, Ruby Freeman, Shay Moss

by Stacy Jackson

February 25, 2025

Rudy Giuliani Pays $148M Judgement Owed To Former Georgia Poll Workers In Defamation Case

Along with the $148 million judgement, Giuliani has been prohibited from making any statements about the workers regarding the 2020 election.

A judge signed a satisfaction of judgment on Feb. 24 to officially confirm former New York attorney Rudy Giuliani has “fully satisfied” the $148 million judgment against him, filed as a part of a defamation lawsuit by mother and daughter Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, two Fulton County election workers the former Donald Trump lawyer falsely claimed helped steal the election from the politician in 2020.

WSBTV reported that court documents confirmed the debt was “fully satisfied” on Feb. 21. According to a January announcement, Giuliani said a settlement had been reached to pay Freeman and Moss, who sought all of his properties as part of the defamation judgment. “This resolution does not involve an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the Parties. I am satisfied with and have no grievances relating to the result we have reached. I have been able to retain my New York co-op and Florida Condominium and all of my personal belongings,” he said, which included three World Series rings, according to WSBTV.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned that the former poll workers filed the defamation lawsuit against Giuliani after the lawyer falsely accused the mother-daughter duo of defrauding Trump out of winning the state while tallying up 2020 election ballots at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The pair testified before the House Committee in January 2022, BE reported. Freeman and Giuliani claimed they both received death threats due to Giuliani’s accusations which caused them to fear for their lives. Moss, who stated in 2023 that she was threatened to be thrown in jail with her mother, said she went into hiding due to the threats. Freeman, a small business owner, said the politician’s statements ruined her reputation and there was nowhere she felt safe.

In a July 2023 court filing, Giuliani conceded that he made false statements about the Georgia election workers. He has permanently been prohibited by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. from making any statements that associate Freeman and Moss with any misconduct linked to the 2020 presidential election cycle. Terms of the settlement were not specified in the Feb. 21 document.