That’s What We Thought! Shedeur Sanders Impresses During Preseason Workout With Cleveland Browns
The rookie quarterback had a great day by completing 78% of his passes (7 of 9) and throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions
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Although Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders slid in the NFL Draft to become the 144th pick, based on reports, he has proven why he was a projected first-round pick with his stellar play thus far in preseason OTAs (Organized Team Activities).
According to Sports Illustrated, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback had an impressive showing during the second day of team workouts May 28. He is competing against another rookie quarterback drafted before him, as well as two veterans, including a former Super Bowl MVP.
Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson is currently nursing an injury and is expected to sit out the year recovering. NFL veterans Kenny Pickett and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco, as well as the team’s third-round pick, Dillon Gabriel, are competing with Sanders for the starting spot. Although Flacco, as of now, is the projected starter, unless Sanders continues to impress coaches and management with his recent play.
Sanders had a great day by completing 78% of his passes (7 of 9) and throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions. He reportedly also had over 100 yards passing. His competition? Pickett completed 9 of 16 throws with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Gabriel did a little better than Pickett by completing 11 of 16 passes with two touchdowns and one interception. Flacco was 9 of 14, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions.
Flacco was impressed with Sanders and seems to welcome his energy and good vibes, and admits that the rookie has made him crack a smile and enjoys his presence.
Joe Flacco on Shedeur Sanders: “I probably wasn’t too far away from playing against his dad and now I’m playing with him.” pic.twitter.com/h7hQmBgjyv
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) May 28, 2025
Sanders was once projected to be this year’s top pick in the NFL Draft, but saw his stock fluctuate due to several theories suggested by football analysts and media. Some included the involvement of his father and head coach at both Jackson State and Colorado, Deion Sanders, as well as off-putting behavior during the pre-draft interview process that reportedly irked many teams. Now, he has the chance to prove his worth, as the competition is far from over.
This Wealthy African Country Only Uses Half Its Oil-Refining Capacity
South Africa is expected to import nearly 16 million tons of petroleum products
South Africa, one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, relies on oil imports to meet its fuel demand despite having the ability to produce more.
According to Business Insider, South Africa relies on imports to meet 60% of its oil demand. South Africa has already imported an estimated 4.2 million tons of refined petroleum products in the first quarter of 2025. At its current rate, South Africa is expected to import nearly 16 million tons of petroleum products for the year. These estimates are double Kenya’s estimated 8.9 million tons a year and more than Nigeria’s 6.4 million tons a year.
Imports are up in South Africa because the main refineries are down. Underinvestment and accidents are contributing factors. Sapref, owned by the Central Energy Fund, is South Africa’s largest refinery, but it’s shut down. The closure ultimately results in an estimated 180,000 barrels being taken out of production daily. Engen, owned by Vitol, is also shut, taking 120,000 barrels out of production daily.
How South Africa Is Trying To Revive Its Energy Sector
Leaders hope the new oil enterprise will reduce the number of imports, which will also boost the economy and bolster energy security.
The move to create SANPC also comes months after South Africa allowed several of its coal-fired plants to exceed emissions limits to avoid more blackouts.
Rolling blackouts, or load shedding, are a way of life for many South Africans. It’s a planned power outage in specific areas for a set period when electricity demand exceeds supply, preventing the entire power grid from collapsing.
Aging and failing power stations and supply shortages at power plants, including fuel, contribute to these blackouts, according to Ecoflow.
Rapper NBA Youngboy Joins Trump’s Pantheon Of Presidential Pardons
The rapper took to his Instagram Stories to thank the president
In a move most people probably didn’t anticipate, President Donald Trump has pardoned recording artist YoungBoy Never Broke Again, also known as NBA Youngboy.
According to The New York Times, the rapper, nee Kentrell D. Gaulden, was given the pardon May 28 as President Trump granted a round of pardons to various prisoners this week.
The rapper took to his Instagram Stories to thank the president for performing the action that would release him without restrictions.
“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist. This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
The 25-year-old rapper pleaded guilty late last year to possessing weapons as a felon and was sentenced to 23 months in prison on gun charges he received in Louisiana. He was also sentenced to five years of probation and fined $200,000 for a gun charge in a separate Utah case.
The Associated Press reported that Youngboy was recently released from federal prison in March. After receiving credit for time served, he was given home confinement, which was completed in April. The pardon means that he won’t have to complete the terms of his probation.
In Youngboy’s Instagram post, he also thanked his attorney, Britteny K. Barnett, and Alice Marie Johnson, whom Trump appointed as Pardon Czar years after the president pardoned her during his first term.
“Big thanks to the Pardon Czar, Ms. Alice Marie Johnson, for fighting for second chances for so many people, and to my lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, for being in my corner and all your hard work to make this possible. And thank you to everyone who believed in me.”
Elon Musk Bashes Trump’s Spending Bill Before Exiting The White House
Musk made his grand exit after close to six months of causing chaos
Elon Musk is kissing the White House and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) goodbye, while trashing President Donald Trump’s spending bill, The Associated Pressreported.
The Tesla and SpaceX founder made his grand exit May 28 after close to six months of causing chaotic federal layoffs, eliminating government agencies, and starting a narrative that South Africa is behind the “genocide” of white South Africans, in addition to being tied up in dozens of lawsuits. The billionaire also struggled with fitting into the political realm of Washington, D.C. and his role within the Trump administration.
During his short-lived tenure, Musk drastically reduced his target spending reduction, going from $2 trillion to $1 trillion to $150 billion, in a short amount of time, in addition to constant resistance to his goals. He suffered from the “mean guy” experience by coming to blows with other members of the cabinet.
However, announcing his exit on X, Musk thanked his friend for this time in Washington and said DOGE isn’t going anywhere, but will only get stronger upon his departure. “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” he wrote.
“The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”
As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.
The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.
But he didn’t leave without having something to say. Just days after the Republican-majority House passed Trump’s “one big beautiful” bill — adding an estimated $4 trillion to the country’s already high debt — Musk said he was “disappointed” in the notion and highlighted how it diminishes all the work that DOGE has done. “I’m disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly,” Musk said during a CBS Mornings interview, according to WBAL TV.
“[It] increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work the DOGE team is doing. I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don’t know if it could be both.”
Some House GOP members share the same sentiments as Musk. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said “I sympathize with Elon being discouraged” while adding that he is confident that there will be enough opposition “to slow this process down until the president, our leadership, gets serious” about reducing spending.
Musk can now return to his duties at Tesla, which has been facing grave backlash _ and revenue drop — since Musk jumped on the Trump train. The EV brand has been the target of protests and vandalism as a number of owners have traded their vehicles in, in efforts to not be attacked.
Black Career Expert On How Gen Zers Can Get Ahead In Tough Job Market
50% of Gen Z feel the job hunt has gotten harder over the last year.
Federal data shows that hiring is down across all industries and Gen Z is feeling the pressure from a tough job market. There are now four generations in the workforce and research shows that recent graduates are being hit the hardest.
“It’s a highly competitive market right now,” Andrew McCaskill, a senior director and LinkedIn Career Expert told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Hiring is down by 7% and this is one of the largest graduating classes of college students that we’ve seen in a long time.”
In LinkedIn’s Grad’s Guide 2025, researchers found that more than 50% of Gen Z feel the job hunt has gotten harder over the last year. Forty-four percent say it’s tough to stay positive during the search, and a little more than 40% say they are applying to more jobs than ever but hearing back less.
Another struggle for Gen Z is canceling out the noise and figuring out who to seek advice from. That’s where McCaskill comes in. He discussed job-search tips for Gen Z, recent graduates, and those looking for jobs in the competitive market.
What tangible strategies can job-seekers, especially Gen Z take in a tough job market?
McCaskill: Go where the growth is, okay? We look at the fastest-growing industries hiring for bachelor’s degrees and it’s not just finance. It’s also construction, utilities, oil, gas, mining, and financial services. At first glance, you might think these aren’t flashy but are growing. They are hiring, offering real pathways to economic mobility. Be open to where the opportunity is and make that opportunity work for you.
Can you tell us more about what you’re seeing, regarding which cities or regions are hiring more?
The Sun Belt is really hiring right now. The fastest growing cities for recent graduates are Tucson, Arizona; Savannah, Georgia; Tallahassee, Florida; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Dallas, Texas.
One thing about some of these cities is many of them don’t have as much local talent, so they’re willing to pay more competitive salaries to get you there. There is also a lower cost of living, so many of these cities have a lower cost of living if you’ve been underemployed. So, if you’ve been underemployed or not getting what you really wanted the last two years, moving to one of these cities or looking for a job in one of these cities might give you a chance to play catch-up financially.
Oftentimes, the companies in some of these cities, depending upon the industry, may have more opportunity to do more or have more responsibility earlier because they’re doing because they have to recruit talent more aggressively than in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Can you tell us how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the workforce and job search?
You have to be AI literate. At this point, you need AI skills. We are moving into the AI-assisted workforce, and every manager is expecting people to be able to use these tools and race with these machines.
[On the job search], use technology and use technology tools. LinkedIn just launched an AI-powered job search tool. This isn’t a premium product. It’s for everyone. You can type in, ‘I want to use my research skills in healthcare, or I want a job in marketing that will help me save the planet, and it will match you to a job description. The AI tool will not only show all the jobs that fall into that category, but if you have done a good job on your LinkedIn profile, it will tell you how much of a match you are for that job with a percentage.
How should Gen Zers look for jobs in this competitive climate?
Looking for a job and building a career is a team sport. You cannot do this alone. Securing a job is really a mix of quality, quantity, and connections.
What I mean by quality is instead of doing 500 applications, do a solid five that you’re qualified [for] and go hard with that. Also, while research shows you are four times more likely to get a job at a place where you know somebody, it does not have to be your best friend, so leverage your network.
LinkedIn is a great place to build some great professional relationships or catch up with people you used to work with. Reintroduce yourself. Also, tap into your school’s alumni network. Send them a connection and ask them to stay in touch. You can use the catch-up tab under the “My Network” section to keep people updated on where you are, if you are moving to another city, or if you’re looking to move to another city.
What are some common mistakes people make when networking?
First, if I don’t know you and you don’t know me, what is our connection? It could be a loose connection. If you see me speak, read my newsletter or an article, even if it’s a major reach, make the connection known. The second mistake is people will not say what they want. They say something like, ‘I want to pick your brain.’
Busy people need specificity. An example is, ‘I know you used to work at Meta, and I would love to make some connections there. Would you be willing to introduce me to someone?’
Friend Defends Maintenance Worker Accused Of Helping Escapees From New Orleans Jail
Sterling Williams's close friends say aiding a prison escape is out of character for the former maintenance man.
Sterling Williams, the man arrested for allegedly assisting ten New Orleans inmates escape prison has been arrested. Williams’ friend asserts his innocence.
As an employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Williams was arrested May 21. The maintenance worker has been charged with malfeasance and is being held in custody on a $1.1 million bond. While the 33-year-old awaits trial his friends are speaking up on his behalf.
Christina, a close friend of Williams, spoke to WDSUNews. She revealed that Williams is a provider for his aging mother. As such, he would not commit a crime that jeopardized himself or his position and provider. Christina also spoke about Willliams’ character, expressing he was raised with good values.
“He’s not a bad person. His mom didn’t raise him like that. I actually know his mom, she didn’t raise him that way. She’s a good person, so is he. Why would he put himself in jeopardy when he is his mom’s caretaker?” Christina said.
Official reports are casting doubt on Christina’s assessment. According to authorities, Williams turned off the water supply to the prison cells. The lack of water allowed inmates to escape through a hole in the wall thtat was initially covered by a toilet. These claims are backed by an affidavit obtained by ABCNews.
“During a Mirandized interview with Williams, he explained to Agents that he turned the water off from the outside pipe walk area on the exterior of cell 6 under direction of a light skinned black male with tattoos on his face, whom he named as ‘Massey,’ Antoine Massey, who threatened to shank him if he did not turn the water off,” according to the affidavit.
In a news conference, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill declared that in order to prevent similar crimes in the future he would be addressing all factors. These include the people who may have assisted and the security of the overall facility.
“Our intent is to make sure this never happens again and so we’re going to look at all the things we need to do to change those conditions, and at the same time hold everyone accountable that may have been involved before, during and after,” Murrill said
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson accepted blame for the escape and is working in full cooperation with the district attorney to locate the escapees and hold all parties accountable.
“To date, we have suspended staff, made an arrest, and launched comprehensive internal and external investigations,” she added. “We are also fully cooperating with the independent investigation led by the Louisiana Attorney General, and we have provided full access to all records, surveillance footage, and facility documentation.”
Williams remains in jail with no scheduled court date.
‘Black People Outside’ Takes The Community Inside KOA’s Black Camper Retreat
This summer, bring your vibe tribe together for a cozy, inclusive camping getaway.
Whether camping or glamping, there’s something beautiful about spending quality time outdoors with the people you love and vibe with. It’s even more meaningful when you bring your culture and unique ways of connecting into shared spaces, creating opportunities for learning and community. This summer, if you’re looking to bring your family or friend group together, consider a cozy, community-focused camping getaway in an environment where everyone is welcome.
Even if you’re not an outdoors enthusiast, there are camping (or glamping) options to fit your comfort level and budget. KOA recently partnered with Black People Outside to host a Black Camper Retreat, inviting BLACK ENTERPRISE to experience firsthand the variety of ways to enjoy a few nights on a traditional campsite.
Camping is an age-old outdoor activity that too often goes overlooked by city dwellers and homebodies. The numbers are even lower within the Black community, but are showing signs of progression. Kampgrounds of America’s 2024 report on camping demographics revealed that the number of Black campers has doubled in under a decade.
This year, 23% of new campers identified as Black, contributing to a growing outdoor community that now makes up 14% of all active campers.
Growing movements like Black People Outside, led by nature influencer couple Kameron Stanton and Chevy Linear, are helping reconnect the Black community with the outdoors and their ancestral ties to nature. Through organized hikes, camping trips, and outdoor events, BPO encourages more Black people to step outside, explore, and embrace nature.
“We first started Black People Outside because when we visited Grand Teton National Park, it’s the most beautiful place that I’ve ever been in my life. And we just don’t know about it. My people wasn’t there to see it. That hurt my heart more than anything,” Linear told BE.
“And that’s why I started BPO. I’m like, ‘No! My people got to see these stars!’ I’m looking at the stars crying. And the only thing I’m looking around, I’m [thinking] like, ‘No Black people here.’ So that means my people were not.”
Since 1962, KOA has been a go-to destination for unforgettable outdoor experiences, whether it’s relaxing with loved ones, exploring nature, or sharing stories around a campfire. Built on the spirit of community, KOA welcomes people from all walks of life to connect in the great outdoors. The brand has recognized the growing interest in camping among Black travelers, releasing a 2021 study that revealed Black campers accounted for approximately 12% of U.S. campers in 2020, a significant increase from 6% in 2012 and 8% in 2017. Additionally, KOA found that new camping households are becoming more diverse, with 60% of first-time campers in 2020 identifying as non-white.
There are deluxe cabins at Virginia’s Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA campground that guests can opt for or even luxury RVs. They can also explore the full range of other lodging options, from tents to tepees, designed to fit all group sizes and budgets. Campers can cruise around the campsite in golf carts, relax by the pool and beach, and enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails at the on-site Sunset Beach Bar & Grill. The amenities and cozy accommodations were just a glimpse of what KOA offers nationwide, with activities like mini golf, bike rentals, live music, water sports, hiking trails, and fire pits to get the bonfire vibes going.
KOA Black Camper Retreat/Courtesy Praytell AgencyKOA Black Camper Retreat/Courtesy Praytell AgencyKOA Black Camper Retreat/Courtesy Praytell AgencyKOA Black Camper Retreat/Courtesy Praytell AgencyVisit to Baines Farm Market in Cape Charles, VA on KOA Black Camper Retreat/Courtesy Praytell Agency
While there, it’s easy to imagine how perfect a KOA location would be for a family reunion or a friends’ getaway. Experiencing the outdoors alongside Black People Outside was a heartwarming reminder of the fun and connection that come with being in nature. The duo leads nature walks, giving a crash course in pitching a tent, and starting a fire, something people can put to use cooking breakfast and wrapping up the retreat with a turnt up seafood boil bonfire.
It is all part of why Black People Outside was started. The Chicago natives sought to get the Black community reconnected with nature, and the movement took off. With a growing social media following and appearances on local news networks, along with partnerships with leading nature and travel-based brands, BPO is helping to lead a new generation to outdoor adventure.
“Coming from the inner city, you have an automatic disconnect with the outdoors,” Stanton said. “Chicago has a skin of green space, where even in the metropolis, there’s certain parks where you can start to learn about it. But generally, in ur neighborhoods, that’s not the forefront of the issues. There’s far more things going on that you have to worry about.”
By sharing their adventures online, BPO aims to inspire others to rediscover the joy and healing power of the great outdoors.
“You have to think about all of the things that we did for free before we got here,” Linear says. “It was love at the forefront of our adventure. It was unnatural energy that we had towards it.”
Whether you’re looking to get the family together, old classmates, or coworkers, a camping/glamping adventure might be the best option. In a time marked by inflation and tariff tensions, camping and glamping offer a much-needed escape, an affordable, joyful way for the community to reconnect with nature, culture, and one another under open skies.
Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Patti LuPone Says Audra McDonald Is ‘Not A Friend’ And Snubs Her Recent Tony Nomination
Patti LuPone’s harsh comments about Audra McDonald have sparked backlash online.
Actress Patti LuPone is facing backlash online for her latest interview, where she blatantly shades two Black Broadway stars.
In a deep dive with The New Yorkerpublished on May 26, LuPone was asked about her rift with Hell’s Kitchen Tony Award-winner Kecia Lewis, who accused LuPone, a two-time Tony Award-winner, of “bullying” and being “racially microaggressive” toward the Hell’s Kitchen cast. When making the claims in a lengthy Instagram caption, six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald shared supportive emojis.
When asked about McDonald’s response, LuPone didn’t hold back.
“Exactly,” she said. “And I thought, You should know better. That’s typical of Audra. She’s not a friend.”
When asked about McDonald’s record-breaking Tony-nominated performance in the current revival of Gypsy, LuPone reportedly stared in silence for 15 seconds before turning to a window and saying with a sigh, “What a beautiful day.”
As for Kecia Lewis, LuPone dropped a few expletives while bragging about her greater Broadway experience compared to Lewis.
“Here’s the problem. She calls herself a veteran? Let’s find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done because she doesn’t know what the fuck she’s talking about,” she said. “She’s done seven. I’ve done thirty-one. Don’t call yourself a vet, bitch.”
LuPone’s feud with Lewis began when the Agatha All Along star criticized the loud sound cues in Alicia Keys’ hit musical. While starring with Mia Farrow in The Roommate next door, LuPone claimed that noises fromHell’s Kitchen were audible through the shared wall. After the Hell’s Kitchen team lowered the volume and LuPone sent flowers as a peace gesture, Lewis still took to social media to call her out.
Now, LuPone’s harsh remarks against Lewis and McDonald aren’t sitting well with fans. Since the interview dropped, many have criticized her, citing a reputation for being difficult.
“patti is so tactless and tone deaf…like girl,” one critic tweeted.
“Patti LuPone had to wait 28 years for her second Tony. Meanwhile, Nathan Lane once introduced Audra McDonald as ‘the woman who wins a Tony every time she leaves her house,'” added someone else.
Patti LuPone had to wait 28 years for her second Tony. Meanwhile, Nathan Lane once introduced Audra McDonald as “the woman who wins a Tony every time she leaves her house.” pic.twitter.com/VnQV0ejTxB
Study Reveals 3 Out Of 4 Young Adults Prefer Hospital Work Over Tech Jobs
The study revealed that young professionals are prioritizing stability over high salaries.
A new study has revealed a shift in many young adults’ preference on where to work.
Getting an offer from FAANG, the acronym of top tech companies including Facebook, Amazon, and Google, had stood as the Gen-Z dream job for many young professionals. However, a shift in workforce stability has many thinking differently about where to take their careers.
The National Society of Hight School Scholars revealed new insight regarding early professionals’ employment desires, as reported by the Farmingdale-Observer. The NSHSS’ survey concluded that more young talent wants to pivot away from the tech industry and into more stable work environments like the healthcare field.
In the beginning, the allure of a job at Microsoft or Apple came with high perks to match highly competitive salaries. Those from engineering to product marketing could find first-year pay that matched senior-level checks in other industries. These benefits catapulted tech jobs to the mainstream. However, a fluctuating economy has started to break this dominance.
The news should not come as a shock to many. Layoffs and workforce reductions continue to plague tech giants. This issue, coupled with high turnover and employee dissatisfaction, has Gen-Z leaning away from pursuing this job sector.
According to the survey’s data collection of 10,000 students, 76% prioritized stability the most when it comes to their careers. Their concerns outranked location, reputation, as well as even high salary potential.
On another note, young professionals are treading lightly with entering the tech sphere due to the rise of AI. Artificial intelligence has started infiltrating multiple industries, with many tech executives already noting the ways AI can reduce the need for certain engineering jobs. This revelation has upcoming engineers breaking away from workforces that may consider them obsolete in the near future.
Furthermore, younger professionals have a greater generational priority on wellness, leading them to choose career paths that cause less stress. Half of the survey participants noted a fear of “burnout” from overworking and toxic work environments, an issue steadily plaguing tech companies.
Instead, entry-level employees are seeking jobs in the healthcare profession. Given its higher emphasis on human interaction, these jobs feel less burdened by the rise of AI. These factors have many focusing on the medical and healthcare fields to stay afloat in an evolving job market.
There has been an additional uptick in diversity in the healthcare workforce. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black people accounted for 13.3% of all healthcare partitioners and technical jobs in 2024. They also made up 26.9% of healthcare support occupations.
With the popularity of tech jobs on the decline, this transition could speed up employee replacement by AI. However, noting this shift in priorities could also force the tech industry to regroup in order to retain its workers.
