Arrest, Missouri, Lincoln University, stabbing death, student-athletes
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2026

Lincoln University Sprinter Faces Murder Charge In Boyfriend’s Death

Prosecutors have charged Denita Jackson with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Lincoln University track-and-field athlete Denita Jackson has been arrested after being accused of killing her boyfriend, Kevaughn Goldson, in Missouri. Prosecutors have charged her with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

According to ABC 17 News, Jackson, who hails from Guyana, allegedly stabbed Goldson, a Jamaican native, after a fight over cologne led to the killing. The two, both seniors at the school, have been romantically involved, and Jackson admitted to police officers that there had been domestic violence between the couple.

This incident took place after a recent fight where Jackson said she left to go to work late but came home early due to not feeling well. When she left, Goldson was in her bedroom, but was not there when she arrived home from work around 1 a.m. Feb. 23.

After hearing her roommate talking to someone, she used a hair clip to open the door and saw the roommate and Goldson on the bed, dressed, with the bottle of cologne they argued about earlier.

That’s when she allegedly jumped on the bed, taking the cologne and grabbing Goldson by his shirt, starting the fight between the two. After he kicked her in the stomach during the attack, she fell off the bed. Jackson reportedly got on top of her and started to choke her, leading her to grab a knife under the bed and stab her boyfriend in the back and chest.

Jackson placed a 911 call to police, leading officers to the scene, where Goldson was taken to the Capital Region Emergency Room. While at the hospital, police officers took photos of his injuries and tried to speak to him about the incident, but he did not cooperate. He was later transported by helicopter to University Hospital, where he died during surgery.

Jackson also told police she thought that Goldson was having an affair with one of her roommates.

She was taken into custody and booked into the Cole County Jail. As of Tuesday, no court hearing had been scheduled for Jackson.

Goldson was also a sprinter on the Lincoln University track-and-field team.

KRCG reported that the school released a statement.

“Our thoughts are with family, friends, faculty, staff and all who have been impacted by this tragic situation.”

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Angela Bassett, MET Gala, Beyonce
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 25, 2026

‘Costume Art’ Selected As 2026 Met Gala Theme That Beyoncé And Angela Bassett Will Co-Chair

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled “Costume Art” as the official theme for the 2026 Met Gala and added Angela Bassett to the host committee.

After closing out 2025 with news of Beyoncé’s highly anticipated return to the Met’s red carpet and as a first-time co-chair (though she has served as an honorary chair in the past), the Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled “Costume Art” as the official theme for the 2026 Met Gala.

The star-studded event, often called fashion’s biggest night, will take place May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, with a dress code of “Fashion is Art,” Vogue reports. The theme announcement comes after Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour were revealed as the event’s official co-chairs, and as Angela Bassett was added to the host committee.

The “Fashion is Art” dress code reflects the vision behind “Costume Art,” an exhibition that examines the “centrality of the dressed body” through interpretations of the human form drawn from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s vast collection. Featuring nearly 400 pieces, the show will fill the museum’s new Condé Nast Galleries near the Great Hall, pairing Costume Institute fashion with paintings, sculptures, and artworks spanning roughly 5,000 years.

This year’s theme encourages guests to treat fashion as a canvas, exploring how designers shape identity and expression through the body.

“What connects every curatorial department and what connects every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body,” Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the Costume Institute, said. “It’s the common thread throughout the whole museum, which is really what the initial idea for the exhibition was.”

As previously revealed, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour will be joined by a Gala Host Committee co-chaired by Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz. The committee includes stars such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elsesser, LISA, Chloe Malle, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, and A’ja Wilson, as well as Yseult.

Newly announced co-chairs include Adut Akech, Angela Bassett, Sinéad Burke, Rebecca Hall, Aimee Mullins, Tschabalala Self, Amy Sherald, and Chase Sui Wonders, while lead sponsors Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as honorary chairs for the gala and exhibition.

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Joy Reid, Joe Biden, mic
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2026

Joy Reid Lets ‘MAGA Trolls’ Know Their ‘BS Is Not Welcome Here’ At People’s SOTU 

Put on by advocacy group MoveOn and media company, MeidasTouch, the event gave those wronged by Trump’s right-leaning policies and the elected officials who support them a chance to speak.

Former MS Now anchor Joy Ann Reid led lawmakers who protested President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address with a simple message during The “People’s State of the Union”: “your bulls*** is not welcome here.” 

Reid, Democratic lawmakers, and supporters alike braved the Washington, D.C. cold, steps away from the U.S. Capitol building on the National Mall for a different type of speech, starting by quoting Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro and giving “trolls” a warning. “Attention all MAGA trolls — your bulls*** is not welcome here,” she said. 

“To paraphrase Robert De Niro, f*** y’all. We’re here to hear the truth. So go back and pay attention to your orange lying friend.”

Put on by advocacy group MoveOn and media company MeidasTouch, and hosted by Reid, the event gave those wronged by Trump’s right-leaning policies and the Democratic lawmakers who support them a chance to speak — like Kelly Robinson, a community organizer and president of the Human Rights Campaign. 

Robinson spoke out in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community after the administration randomly had the Pride flag temporarily removed from Stonewall, a gay bar and site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement in New York City. She spoke of the country not living in “ordinary” times.

“We are here to defend what is ours, cause, my friends, these are not ordinary times. There is nothing ordinary about this president removing the Pride flag from Stonewall. There is nothing ordinary about them cutting billions of dollars from HIV prevention and throwing it into building more ICE detention facilities,” she said. 

“We need healthcare, we need food, we don’t need mass incarceration. And there is nothing ordinary about this government murdering U.S. citizens.”

Despite the opening warning from Reid, the hecklers couldn’t stay away. While Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), who went viral mid-February for laughing while questioning a Trump nominee on his viewpoints of “white erasure,” spoke, someone, yelling “Go Trump” and “I snuck in the border,” was removed for interrupting.

Commentator and TV host Sara Gonzales was also removed for calling Reid “a loser” and trying to heckle her for the crowd size.

Met with the expectation of interruptions, MoveOn’s chief of programs, Sara Haghdoosti, said it’s all about keeping things in focus. “We know that he is going to use the State of the Union to mislead the American people and lie,” Haghdoosti said, according to the New York Times. 

“We want to make sure we’re focusing on the impact his horrendous policies have had. We want to shift the focus from Trump’s lies to the stories of people.”

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Power, Wu-Tang
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2026

‘Power,’ Key Figure Behind Wu-Tang Clan’s Rise, Dies At 52

The Wu-Tang Clan family mourns the death of an integral member, Oliver Grant, known to the world as “Power,” who helped the collective gain fame and launched a career that fulfilled the dreams of 10 rappers.

Rapper-turned-actor Method Man confirmed the sad news on his social media account on Feb 24. Meth posted a photograph of himself and Power on his Instagram account. No details have been released about the cause of death.

“Paradise, my brother, safe Travels!! 💔💔🤬 #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok .. 🌧️”

According to The Source, Power, who was 52, was an executive producer on the 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He was instrumental in financing the initial project and in bringing the collective in front of the people who helped shape the rappers’ careers. He also started the Wu Wear clothing line at a time when rappers influenced fashion trends, but weren’t directly behind the scenes running it as a business.

Power orchestrated almost everything that did not involve writing lyrics or producing music, as he focused on all other business matters and had a vision for Wu-Tang as a brand with its own merchandise, with a hand in all business decisions, including promotion, street marketing, fashion, film, and anything connected to the Wu.

He also appeared on film, playing the character Knowledge Born in the 1998 film Belly and in the 1999 movie Black and White.

The Wu-Tang Clan was a collective of 10 solo rappers who represented Staten Island (although several members were from Brooklyn as well) and featured RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Cappadonna.

Through the vision and behind-the-scenes moves of Power, who grew up with RZA’s older brother, Divine, the group became very successful, with its members signing individual solo deals with other labels after signing with Loud Records.

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REP. AL GREEN, texas, supeme court, redisticting
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2026

Rep. Al Green Escorted Out Of SOTU For Protesting With ‘Black People Aren’t Apes’ Sign

Green told reporters he wanted the President to see the signage, reminding him that the video featuring imagery of the Obama family as apes is racist.

Things went left just minutes after President Donald Trump started his State of The Union (SOTU) Address when Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted out for protesting with a sign reading, “Black People Aren’t Apes.” 

The senior member of Congress and avid anti-Trump critic has made it known on several occasions how he feels about the antics from the Trump Administration given this is the second time Green was escorted out of one of Trump’s U.S. Capitol speeches. 

Green told CNN that he wanted the President to see the signage, reminding him that the video featuring imagery of the Obama family as apes is racist.

“I wanted the president to see it, and he saw it, and I told him, Black people are not apes, and for him to do what he did was racist, and he knows it. But sometimes we have to let him know in public that we know it,” the 78-year-old said. 

Prior to Trump’s lengthy speech, in which he told false narratives about inflation going down and painted a fairytale image of the United States “winning” at all ends, some members of the Democratic Party announced they wouldn’t be attending.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said it’s almost a common practice.

“There was an understanding that members are either going to plan to attend and those who are not going to attend are going to boycott the event and express their opposition to Donald Trump and a variety of the other different things that will be taking place,” Jeffries said. 

Green said the opposition to racism is one that someone has to stand up for. When asked about worrying about the consequences, he said they don’t exist to him. “The consequences were of no consequence to me. You have to take a stand. In a sense that I would allow the consequences to prevent me from doing what I believe is a righteous thing to do,” Green said. 

“Dr. King did not allow the consequences to prevent him from going to Birmingham, and he went to jail. Rosa Parks did not allow the consequences to prevent her from taking a seat on the bus. That’s where we are now. We are back to a point where people have to take a stand.” 

While other leaders were seen physically trying to rip the sign out of Green’s hands, people on social media are applauding his protest, some even calling fellow Democrats cowards for allowing him to be escorted out alone. 

Others are comparing him to the late great Rep. John Lewis, known for walking in Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and saying, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

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counterfeit, luxury items, Miami
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2026

From Front Row To Fingerprints: NYC Model Arrested Over Alleged $1M Luxury Heist In SoHo

Diaby was caught on security footage helping conduct the pricey loot of the store.

A NYC model is facing charges for allegedly committing a $1 million robbery at a luxury boutique in SoHo.

Police arrested Abdallah Diaby Feb. 19 for his apparent connection to the high-stakes heist of 4Gseller boutique in New York City. In his seemingly double-life, Diaby is represented by the New York-based modeling agency TWO MGMT.

The slick robbery reportedly happened Dec. 1, leaving police stumped on who the culprits were. However, law enforcement finally caught up to one of the apparent suspects involved.

According to the New York Post, Diaby and three other perpetrators allegedly made out of the store with around $1 million in stolen goods. This included 20 Saint Laurent designer jackets, 30 handbags, 20 belts, and other pricey items.

“They took a lot of one of one, high-end merchandise. So, basically brands like Chrome Hearts and St. Laurent, a lot of custom pieces. They were just dropping them off the balcony, and someone was running it to the car,” shared the store’s owner, Tommy Macari, to CBS News, also adding that the robbery felt “kind of like the movies.”

The criminal complaint details that a silver Ford SUV was parked at the store around 4 a.m. The men disguised themselves as construction workers, complete with hard hats and a ladder, while the others served as lookouts. The robbers then proceeded to toss luxury items out a window and over a balcony to get into the car.

They drove away from the scene within minutes, beating the police’s arrival by just seconds.

“They were in and out of the store in four and a half minutes,” added Macari. “And 91 seconds later, the NYPD was here.”

While the other three men remain at large, security footage connected Diaby to the fashionable crime. The Bronx native was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, but was released on supervision without bail. The working model also left a job in California to appear in court, as reported by The Grio.

The NYC model now faces charges of grand larceny, burglary, and criminal possession of stolen property. He appeared stylish despite the allegations against him, even wearing a pair of “Touch me I’m sick” Vans, which resell for over $300.

Diaby pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return to court on March 18. As for his alleged fellow conspirators, their whereabouts remain unknown.

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BAFTA Awards, Tourette's, Jaime Foxx, N-word
by Ahsan Washington

February 25, 2026

8 Times White Celebrities Were Caught Out There Using The Word ‘N**ga’

The “N-word” is an offensive word that carries centuries of harm tied to racial violence and the dehumanization of Black people throughout slavery, Jim Crow, and even in contemporary times. The present-day public use of the word reveals the ongoing racial bias that exists in society, institutions, and everyday interactions. The most recent incident during the 2026 BAFTA Awards broadcast demonstrates how the word’s use triggers strong emotional responses and sparks widespread global discussions about race.

Here are eight times white celebrities have disrespected Black Americans by using the n-word:

2026 BAFTA Awards – Tourette’s Outburst

During the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London, John Davidson, a British advocate for Tourette’s syndrome who also struggles with the disability, had an involuntary tic where he shouted the N-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. Tourette’s syndrome affects Davidson’s involuntary speech patterns. The BBC broadcast aired the racial slur without editing, despite BAFTA warning attendees about the possibility of the outbursts, which resulted in severe public condemnation.

The event generated extensive criticism from industry professionals, including Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce, who condemned both the incident and the broadcaster’s lack of accountability. 

Morgan Wallen Racial Slur Video

A video shows country music star Morgan Wallen using the N-word during a conversation with friends after a night out in Nashville, Tennessee. TMZ obtained the footage and published it in February 2021. The use of the slur led to immediate industry consequences, includingthe suspension of his record contract.

Radio stations removed his songs, and his eligibility for major awards was taken away. Wallen issued a public apology while making donations to anti-racism organizations. Wallen claimed his racist behavior stemmed from ignorance, not from intentional harm.

Paris Hilton Party Footage

In the early 2000s, Paris Hilton attended a party where footage emerged showing Hilton using the N-word during the event. The video spread across early internet platforms. The event received extensive media coverage in 2007. Hilton admitted to making racist comments in her past during interviews and in her memoir, while explaining that personal trauma and lack of awareness led to those remarks.

Michael Richards’ Laugh Factory Rant

During a stand-up performance at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California, Michael Richards, who gained fame as the character Kramer on Seinfeld, delivered a racist tirade. After being heckled by Black audience members at the popular comedy club, Richards repeated the N-word multiple times. Richards apologized for the November 2006 incident on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Chevy Chase’s Community Set Incident

Actor Chevy Chase participated in a noteworthy event while filming the comedy series Community. A new documentary reveals that Chase said the N-word during a racial dispute about a script element on the show’s set under the direction of co-star Yvette Nicole Brown.

Chase’s offensive outburst caused shock and responses from Brown and others present. Chase departed from the show due to the controversy. The show ran from 2009 until 2014, and a documentary about it premiered in December 2025.

Charlie Sheen’s Private Recording Leak

A leaked voicemail recording reveals actor Charlie Sheen used the N-word to express his anger toward his then-wife, Denise Richards. The recording spread extensively. Sheen apologized for his racial comments after public criticism.

Mel Gibson Voicemail with Racial Slur

During a phone conversation with his ex-girlfriend, Mel Gibson used the racial slur, stating she would be “raped by a pack of n*****s.” The immediate backlash against Gibson’s outburst arose because the recording contained several slurs and violent expressions, which intensified the public examination of his history of racist and misogynistic comments.

Bill Maher On-Air Slur

Comedian and television host Bill Maher made an “on-air slip-up” when he used the N-word during a broadcast. Rapper Ice Cube confronted Maher in a sit-down. Maher issued a public apology for the incident after recognizing that his mistake caused pain.

The network HBO, which airs the show, has committed to stopping similar language from being broadcast in the future.

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Tyra Banks, Smize
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2026

Tyra Banks Wants Her ‘Reality Check,’ Sues Ex-Business Partner For $50K Amid Docuseries Backlash

Banks wants $50K in damages and other compensation from her former business partner.

Tyra Banks is settling all scores as the former “America’s Next Top Model” host sues an ex-business partner for $50,000.

Banks filed a civil complaint against the undisclosed business partner with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Banks claims the collaborator failed to fulfill contractual agreements to pay up for their business, leading the retired supermodel to take legal action.

WBLS reviewed the court documents Feb. 24, adding that the complaint says the unidentified business partner missed payments on projects related to their venture. This inability to fulfill their share of financial commitments and services added further financial woes for Banks, causing her to lose a significant amount of money in the process.

While the partnership felt steady at the beginning, the professional relationship eroded following bouts of disagreements over the project’s direction and financial responsibilities. However, exactly which business the 52-year-old former supermodel is referring to remains unclear. The mogul has launched a variety of projects throughout her career, including a hot-ice-cream brand, a production company, and a beauty line.

While she hopes to receive some financial justice, Banks has recently returned to the spotlight for her own infamy. The ANTM producer has received pushback for her behavior on the show. Her antics became the focus of a new Netflix docuseries, “Reality Check: Inside: America’ss Next Top Model.”

Banks’ behavior as an executive producer toward her fellow judges and young women participants has met immense criticism. Banks’ appearance on the docuseries also faced pushback for her apparent lack of accountability.

Now, Banks seeks accountability from her former business partner. She claims she tried to settle the matter quietly, but the lack of resolve led to her public filing.

Banks has asked that the money be used to cover damages and other costs, including court costs and additional relief. As news of the filing broke, a representative for the entrepreneur said the defendant should“[honor] agreements””

“Ms. Banks believes in honoring agreements and is pursuing appropriate legal channels,” stated the spokesperson.

Banks hopes to prove her case in court, but no trial has been scheduled yet.

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Softball, Sports, NIL Deal, College Softball
by Kandiss Edwards

February 25, 2026

NiJaree Canady Debuts New Adidas Cleat And Walks Her Way Into History

Canady’s impact extends beyond her NIL deals.

Texas Tech softball stand-out pitcher NiJaree Canady made history by becoming the first college softball player to release her own signature player-edition cleat in partnership with Adidas.

Canady, a senior and one of college softball’s most decorated players, debuted her player-edition Adidas cleat, the ADIZERO Instinct 2.0 PT “NiJa,” during a game against Fresno State on Feb. 19 at the Mary Nutter Classic.

In an Instagram post, she shared her joy with her followers, stating, “Such a dream come true! So incredibly blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to come out with my own cleat!” 

The cleat features red stripes, much like the Adidas logo. Additionally, the cleat features Canady’s signature and jersey number. The custom design elements honor both her role with the Texas Tech Red Raiders and her personal brand. It will be available for purchase later this season.

Her collaboration with Adidas is one facet of the college athlete’s very lucrative NIL agreement. Canady joined Adidas as part of the inaugural “Team Mahomes” athlete cohort. The Team Mahomes cohort is a partnership with the brand and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes that supports NIL opportunities for Texas Tech athletes.

The 2024 inaugural cohort of Team Mahomes includes other college superstars across sports, including Micah Hudson (Football), Jasmine Shavers (Basketball), Matthew Comegys (Golf), Sam Courtwright (Soccer), and TJ Pompey (Baseball), according to  Texas Tech.

Sports analysts and media outlets described the cleat release as historic because no previous college softball player has had a player-edition shoe from a major athletic brand. Sports Illustrated reported that the cleat launch “makes NIL history” for the sport. 

Canady’s impact extends beyond her NIL deals. She has been a central figure at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to the Women’s College World Series finals in 2025, where she earned national recognition for her performance. Her collegiate career includes accolades such as Softball America First Team All-American and various conference honors. 

Canady’s Adidas cleat breaks a glass ceiling for women’s college athletes, gaining brand equity and market influence through NIL partnerships.

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ibrahim-traore-du burkina faso
by Mitti Hicks

February 25, 2026

Burkina Faso and Ghana Seal Seven Key Deals To Boost Security, Trade In West Africa

Central to the discussions was security and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

Ghana and Burkina Faso have signed seven key agreements that aim to strengthen trade, security, and cross-border cooperation along one of West Africa’s most strategic commercial routes.

According to Africa Business Insider, leaders from both countries secured the agreements during the latest session of the Permanent Joint Commission Cooperation (PJCC) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The trade agreements end a six-year hiatus for the two countries.

Central to the discussions was security and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. On Feb. 14, a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso killed seven Ghanaian traders and injured several others. As the Anadolu Agency reports, cross-border commerce between northern Ghana and Burkina Faso is an important route for food supply and is vital to traders and their livelihoods. As Burkina Faso experiences worsening violence from insurgent groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS (Daesh), neighboring countries are concerned about potential spillover.

Ahead of the talks, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, visited victims of the Feb. 14 terrorist attack in Titao at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

Both countries agreed to design and adopt a new security framework that aims to neutralize the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

What To Know About The Other Deals Between Burkina Faso and Ghana

In addition to security, the seven agreements focus on agricultural trade, border management, counterterrorism, disaster prevention, driver’s licenses, and more. One agreement aims to protect youth and regional security in a joint “no drug zone.” The agreement targets illicit cultivation, manufacture, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Leaders from both sides also established a new partnership in disaster management to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in addressing the perennial spillage from the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso. According to Ghana Web, controlled spillages from the dam have caused severe flooding in communities across northern Ghana, destroying farms and displacing residents.

Leaders said the new cooperation mechanism would improve disaster preparedness and coordinated response.

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