fatal car crash, sentencing, Richard Ferguson, Florida — (Photo: gorodenkoff/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 22, 2025

Michigan Man Sentenced 30 Years After Pleading Guilty To Shooting Girlfriend After Being Told Daughter Wasn’t His

Vaughn Smith was given a prison sentence of nearly 30 years, with a maximum of 75 years for shooting her in the leg and grazing her head with a bullet

A Michigan man, who shot his girlfriend after she told him a child he thought he fathered wasn’t his, was given a prison sentence of nearly 30 years, with a maximum of 75 years.

Vaughn Smith was given the sentence after pleading guilty to assault with intent to commit murder and two firearms charges for the incident that took place in May 2024. The shooting occurred in front of their children during an argument that started May 22 and continued the next day when she made the admission to him. The judge has given Smith credit for the 325 days he served towards the firearms charges.

During the confrontation, Smith shot his girlfriend in the leg, and after getting his first shot off, as he aimed for her head, the bullet grazed her as their 16-year-old son defended his mother by jumping on his back with a kitchen knife. While at the hospital, she expressed to the detectives that the confirmation of the child not being his set him off, and he told her “he was going to blow her brains out.”

Judge Jon H. Hulsing gave him the sentence after hearing from Smith and the unnamed girlfriend, who survived the shooting and pleaded with the judge to grant him leniency as he has served enough time due to his actions.

“Please show some mercy for a man who was learning to be a better person, a father and a businessman,” she asked the judge.

Smith also showed regret for the almost-deadly reaction, as he stated that hearing his daughter wasn’t his, on top of the infidelity in the relationship, devastated him.

“I made a terrible decision that day, a terrible decision that day, your honor,” Smith said. “And it came from me being hurt just hearing my daughter wasn’t mine. That hurt me so bad, and other infidelities that we’ve been sweeping under the rug. We both need counseling, your honor. We both need counseling.”

Husling acknowledged his remorse but stated that he still needs to pay for his actions on the fateful day.

While Hulsing said he believed Smith was genuinely sorry and acknowledged the courage it takes to plead guilty, he said Smith needs to face consequences for his actions.

“I do believe that your expressions of remorse are genuine,” Hulsing said. “It’s not unusual for people to state false statements of remorse in an attempt to get a more lenient sentence. I don’t believe that’s the case. I do believe that if you could rewind the clock, you would. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

The sentencing took place April 18.

Haiti, Royal Caribbean, cruise ship — <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 22, 2025

Royal Caribbean To Cruise Away From Private Beach Resort In Haiti Over Ongoing Violence And Political Unrest

The cruise liner stated it will not return to its Labadee beach resort out of an "abundance of caution."

Royal Caribbean will sail away from its private beach resort in Haiti due to ongoing violence and political unrest in the island nation.

The cruise line announced that it will remove the popular stop in Labadee from its itineraries for upcoming sails. It aims to do so out of an “abundance of caution,” despite the area being a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The majority of the violence has taken place in the capital city.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labadee. We have already communicated with guests directly,” shared Royal Caribbean to Travel+Leisure.

Its Labadee stop’s amenities offer voyagers beach fun amid Haiti’s serene waters. From ziplining to waterslides, Labadee was also a way for travelers to explore Haiti’s beaches in a private locale with family-friendly activities.

The update follows its decision last year to remove Haiti from its assortment of destinations, which includes island-hopping throughout the Caribbean with other stops worldwide.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson in 2024 to USA Today. “Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we have suspended all visits to the Labadee fleetwide through September 2024.”

Currently, the U.S. State Department has Haiti rated at a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory over concerns of “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.” The U.S. Embassy also released a security alert over Port-au-Prince on April 16 for its “potential for violence” as protestors, police, and gang members clash over the state of the country.

Haitian gang violence has only escalated in the past year, with UN officials recently stating that the country is closing in on a “point of no return.”

“As gang violence continues to spread to new areas of the country, Haitians experience growing levels of vulnerability and increasing skepticism about the ability of the state to respond to their needs,” María Isabel Salvador told the UN Security Council, as reported by The Guardian.

She added, “Haiti could face total chaos… I urge you to remain engaged and answer the urgent needs of the country and its people.”

Despite international military intervention led by Kenya, the plan failed to quell the gang violence, as the suffering nation continues to deal with political instability. Its neighboring Caribbean nations also remain concerned about its future amid the rising threat of a government coup.

The country’s officials have also continued to advocate for international support on behalf of its people to keep the nation intact.

La La Anthony, charity event, luxury, wealth, Black women — Photo by Shelby Cooper/LaLa via AirBnb

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 22, 2025

LaLa Anthony Shares Wealth-Building Advice: ‘It’s About Patience And Pacing Yourself’

LaLa Anthony shares how patience helped her build the long-term wealth she enjoys today.

LaLa Anthony wasn’t always riding high as a well-paid actress and television personality. She shared the “patience” and humility it took to acquire the long-term wealth she has today.

The New York native has allowed the world to witness her transformation, from her early days as a radio host to becoming a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live, and eventually making her mark as an actress. With standout roles in The Chi, BMF, and Power, Anthony has built a thriving career and an estimated $30 million net worth that she doesn’t take for granted.

“I think it’s about patience and pacing yourself. A lot of times, we want the quick grab, the quick money scheme, the get-rich-fast scheme,” she told Essence about acquiring wealth. “When I look at my finances, my financial growth happened over a lot of years.”

Finding fame at a young age, Anthony admitted her early spending habits weren’t always wise. Caught up in appearances, she often made material purchases to keep up and look the part.

“I was buying things that had no value just to look the part,” Anthony said. “It was okay if I was living in an apartment with four of us in one bedroom, but as long as I had a great shirt or a great piece of jewelry, I felt good about it.”

One of her more frivolous early purchases was a diamond pendant she bought alongside her longtime friend, Ludacris.

“Ludacris and I went to the jewelry store and we wanted to buy these diamond pendants,” Anthony recalled. “I remember it was like I was paying on it every month or every couple of weeks, and it took me a long time to pay it off, but that was what we wanted so bad.”

Now, as she gets her son Kiyan Anthony ready for college and adulthood, she shared the financial advice she’s passing down, while still allowing a little room for the occasional splurge on some material pleasures.

“Take a small amount of that and buy yourself something nice. You deserve that,” Anthony said. “But then take the rest and put it in a savings account so it can grow and you can make more money in the future.”

Colin Kaepernick, Know Your Rights Camp, ACLU, Ralph Ellison Award for Defenders of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Arts, Business, Science, and Sports — American civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick attends the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 22, 2025

Colin Kaepernick Is Training ‘All Day, Every Day’ For An NFL Comeback

Colin Kaepernick still has his sights set on a return to the NFL.

Nearly a decade after his last NFL game, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick still has his sights set on a comeback.

His girlfriend, Nessa Diab, told TMZ Sports that Kaepernick is training “all day, every day” in hopes of convincing a team to give him another shot. The former quarterback hasn’t played in the NFL since 2017 and has long maintained he was blacklisted for taking a knee during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice.

“Nothing has changed! Nothing!” Diab said of Kaepernick’s dreams of returning to the NFL, adding that “it’s all up to the teams if they’ll let him play.”

Kaepernick, 37, hasn’t worked out with an NFL team since the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, but the team chose not to sign him. In 2020, he was invited to a Seattle Seahawks workout, though it didn’t lead to a contract.

He even took matters into his own hands by organizing a workout at a high school in Atlanta, drawing scouts from seven NFL teams to watch him throw. The closest Kaepernick has come to an NFL return was last year when he was reportedly offered a coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers under his former head coach, Jim Harbaugh, but he ultimately turned it down.

Before becoming a nationwide spectacle over his national anthem protest, Kaepernick was a standout NFL quarterback who led the San Francisco 49ers to the 2014 Super Bowl, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens. In 2023, he told Sports Illustrated that people “may have forgotten what I was capable of doing on the field.” He expressed his hopes of getting signed to a team for his athletic ability and “not the political bias that you have.”

Kaepernick’s most recent link to the NFL came when Harbaugh claimed he had discussed a possible coaching role with him ahead of the 2024 season. However, Kaepernick denied that the conversation ever took place during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

“I found out the same way everyone else did — on social media,” Kaepernick said, citing his lack of interest in coaching. “I was like, ‘Oh, I got a coaching offer.’ No, no coaching offer.”

Rikers — (Photo: formulanone via Wikimedia Commons)

by Keka Araújo

April 22, 2025

Judge Blocks ICE From Rikers Island Amid City Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge,, gavel, signing papers — (Photo: Katrin Bolovtsova/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 22, 2025

International Students In Indiana Denied Restraining Order After Having Visas Revoked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFC, cyberattacks, china, phones, fraud, money, cellphones — Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/security-logo-60504/

by Keka Araújo

April 22, 2025

New Smartphone Scam Targets Bank Accounts Via NFC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Restaurant, Atlanta, florrisant, Bliss, age requirement, 35 years old, 30 years old — (Photo: Valeria Boltneva/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED CONTENT: 3 Healthy Business Lunch Ideas

model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit, — (Photo: 400tmax/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McGregor remains held without bond in Jefferson County Jail.

usher, Abu Dhabi, super bowl, decency,, cherry, dubai, singer — Usher performs onstage during his residency at La Seine Musicale on September 25, 2023, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. (Photo: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

by Keka Araújo

April 21, 2025

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

Usher still had love for his fans, though!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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