DHS, Noem, citizenship, ICE
by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Niger Cancels All U.S. Visas After Trump Expands Travel Ban

According to Niger government officials, the country is "completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens."

A growing diplomatic standoff is unfolding after one country announced it will cancel all visas for Americans in response to the Trump administration’s expanded U.S. travel ban that included the West African country.

In mid-December, President Donald Trump broadened restrictions on travel to the United States, adding 20 more countries and the Palestinian Authority to an existing list. The move brought the total number of affected nations to 39, spanning Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Some countries now face a total ban on entry to the U.S., while others are subject to limits on student and business visas.

Niger has responded. According to government officials, the country is “completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens” and indefinitely banning Americans from entering its territory until further notice.” TheStreet reported the statement was confirmed to the Associated Press and marks a rare instance of a country imposing a blanket visa ban on U.S. travelers.

U.S. officials pointed to Niger residents’ overstay rates exceeding 13 percent for business visas and more than 16 percent for student visas, along with concerns about militant activity in the region.

Niger’s decision follows mounting tension between Washington and Niamey. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated since a military coup last year and the collapse of long-standing security partnerships. Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Niger suspended routine visa processing, signaling a broader breakdown in cooperation. Analysts say visa restrictions have now become a pressure tactic on both sides.

Other countries targeted by the expanded U.S. ban have also pushed back. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne publicly criticized the administration’s reasoning, calling the allegations about the country’s citizenship policies outdated and inaccurate. Several African and Caribbean nations have issued statements condemning the travel restrictions as unfair and damaging to diplomatic ties.

The consequences are immediate for Americans. Those traveling to Niger for humanitarian aid, journalism, business, or family reasons now face major obstacles unless they already hold valid visas or qualify for narrow exemptions. Niger, meanwhile, risks losing economic benefits tied to foreign travel, international projects, and investment.

Nigerien nationals are set to be fully barred from entering the United States when the expanded ban takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump To Prevent Nigerians From Entering U.S. By Adding Country To Travel Ban

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police
by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Young Hero Shot By San Jose Police May Receive $8M Settlement

K’aun Green's wounds were serious enough to derail the young man’s football career.

San Jose, California, officials are considering approving an $8 million settlement in a federal excessive-force lawsuit from K’aun Green, the college football player shot four times by a San Jose police officer while disarming a gunman in March 2022.

The settlement recommendation, expected to be voted on by the San Jose City Council on Jan. 13, 2026, would rank as the second-largest police payout in the city’s history if approved.

The figure is second to an $11.3 million settlement paid in 2014 to a paralyzed shooting victim, KTVU reported.

Green, now 24, was wounded on the steps of La Victoria Taqueria in 2022. Police responded to a report of a homicide at the taco shop. As they approached the scene, officers observed Green holding a gun he had taken from an assailant during a brawl.

Video surveillance circulated online showed that Green was trying to leave the restaurant after disarming the other man. It was then that former San Jose officer Mark McNamara fired four shots, striking Green in the stomach, arm, and knee. None of the bullets caused catastrophic injury but they did derail the young man’s football career.

Green’s legal team rejected earlier attempts by the city to invoke qualified immunity to shield the officer from liability.  The turning point came after San Jose’s police chief disclosed that McNamara had sent racist text messages about Green. A specific text stating “I hate Black people” held weight in the decision. Texts also revealed McNamara using the n-word. 

McNamara resigned and several of his previous cases were dismissed. 

City Attorney Susana Alcala admitted that the settlement comes due to multiple factors, not necessarily because the city believes it is responsible.

“The amount of this settlement reflects the inherent risks of litigation. The settlement reflects the risks of litigation when the officer involved was later found to have made reprehensible statement evidencing racial animus. It would be difficult for jurors to ignore in evaluation how a reasonable officer would have reacted when Mr. Green emerged with a gun in his hand. In light of Mr. Green’s injuries and the obligation to pay his attorney’s fees if a jury found in his favor, the city believes the settlement. . .limits the city’s exposure.”

Since the shooting, Green has  earned a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is on track to become the first college graduate in his family. 

A federal judge dismissed Green’s lawsuit after a settlement conference in November. City officials, including representatives for the San Jose Police Department, declined to comment beyond public statements regarding the settlement process. 

RELATED CONTENT: Woman Struck By Gunfire In Encounter With Two Police Deputies

 

Iyanla Vanzant, IYANLA: THE INSIDE FIX, OWN
by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Iyanla Vanzant Returns To OWN With ‘Iyanla: The Inside Fix’

The 72-year-old life coach, author, and television personality is revisiting 12 of the most impactful episodes from "Iyanla: Fix My Life."

After a few years away from television, Iyanla Vanzant is making a highly anticipated return to OWN with the new series, Iyanla: The Inside Fix.

The 72-year-old life coach, author, and television personality is revisiting 12 of the most impactful episodes from her previous show, Iyanla: Fix My Life, which ran from 2012 to 2021.

Each episode of the original series chronicles Vanzant’s work with guests navigating trauma, broken relationships, and personal challenges, often concluding with updates on how they had progressed.

“I’ve come to unpack. Not this,” Vanzant explains in the newly released trailer, gesturing to a suitcase, “That…”

The series promises to explore the ongoing work of healing, emphasizing that fixing the outside is not enough. “This is where healing becomes holy. This is where truth finds its home. This… is The Inside Fix” she says.

OWN describes the new series as a continuation of Vanzant’s transformative work, focusing on “spiritual hygiene” and practical steps to foster self-awareness and personal growth. Vanzant noted that the world has changed dramatically since 2012. Social media, technology, and global events have shifted how people navigate life, but the need for honesty, reflection, and healing remains.

“Iyanla: The Inside Fix is a deepening,” Vanzant said, according to Today. “Where Fix My Life invited us to confront the pain that shaped us, The Inside Fix invites us to meet the truths that can free us. Real healing isn’t about repairing what’s broken, but about reconnecting with our sense of self, our identity, our worth, and our ability to start fresh.”

In 2021, Iyanla: Fix My Life ended after 10 years, eight seasons, and nearly 150 episodes, Deadline reported. She told Tamron Hall that same year that social media threats and people showing up at her home led to her ending the show.

“So, through the emails, through the social media, people would come into my home. I was getting death threats, because they didn’t like something I said about it,” Vanzant recalled. “And I’m like, I want to be free of this. I don’t want this. I got death threats around certain shows, around certain issues, around things that I said.”

Iyanla: The Inside Fix premieres Jan. 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on OWN. The series is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions for OWN.

RELATED CONTENT: Iyanla Vanzant Reveals The Death Threats That Led Her to End ‘Iyanla Fix My Life’

A$AP Rocky, Bilt, Harlem
by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

A$AP Rocky Drops Harlem-Inspired Album; Bilt Covers Rent For His Old Neighborhood

A$AP Rocky has partnered with rewards platform Bilt to celebrate the release of his upcoming album.

Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, has partnered with rewards platform Bilt to celebrate the release of his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb.

Announced Dec. 26, the collaboration features a Bilt-exclusive vinyl record designed by Rocky that reflects his connection to Harlem and ever-evolving artistic flair.

The vinyl is available for pre-order through the Bilt app and website for members of its rewards program.

As part of the partnership, Bilt is hosting a special edition of its monthly game show “Rent Free” in which Rocky will participate as a contestant, according to a press release. Members nationwide can win free rent payments of up to $2,500. The top 10 winners will receive signed copies of the exclusive vinyl. Hundreds more members are eligible for bonus Bilt points through participation. 

Additionally, the company will cover January 2026 rent for all tenants of a Harlem apartment building where Rocky spent his teenage years. The donation is intended to support the community that influenced the artist’s early life and alleviate housing costs during a typically expensive period of the year. 

“For me, it’s always been about your community and neighborhood. Harlem made me who I am, from uptown to downtown, and that connection to place is everything,” Rocky said in the press release. “When Bilt said they wanted to cover rent for everyone in the same building where I grew up, that hit different. That’s not just business, that’s understanding what community really means.”

In a statement, Bilt’s founder and CEO, Ankur Jain, said Rocky’s Harlem roots align with the company’s mission to connect residents with meaningful cultural experiences.

“Rocky embodies what we believe at Bilt: your neighborhood isn’t just where you live, it’s what fuels your creativity, your ambition, your entire trajectory,” he said.

Don’t Be Dumb will come out Jan. 16, 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Kelly Rowland and A$AP Rocky Honored At Harlem’s Fashion Row Style Awards

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, Sheriff's Office
by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Shaq Takes On New Role With Georgia Sheriff’s Office

The NBA icon was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Shaquille O’Neal’s latest promotion celebrates his dedication to community service. On Christmas Day, the NBA icon was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, honoring his nearly five years of service to the North Georgia community. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is located in McDonough, Georgia.

O’Neal joined the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, when Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett appointed him as director of Community Relations. The role was created to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.

After O’Neal joined the sheriff’s office, it reported participating in roughly 370 community events, engaging with more than 42,000 residents, and distributing over 14,000 meals to children and families. Shaq appeared at several events, which ranged from holiday gift drives and school visits to emergency assistance for families facing sudden tragedy, CBS News reported.

The latest announcement unfolded during ESPN’s Christmas edition of NBA Tip-Off. Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett revealed the promotion live on air, highlighting O’Neal’s hands-on leadership and measurable impact since joining the department’s community outreach efforts in 2021.

During the broadcast, members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office presented O’Neal with a plaque recognizing his commitment to service, leadership, and compassion. During the announcement, O’Neal reacted playfully to the idea of officially being addressed as “Chief,” a nickname he leaned into with ease, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

“For your outstanding commitment to service, community engagement in Henry County, and for your leadership, compassion and unwavering support of our mission to protect and serve,” the plaque honoring O’Neal reads. 

Following the on-air recognition, Captain Deon L. Wallace, a friend of Shaq, shared on social media O’Neal’s consistent dedication to service. Wallace emphasized that the promotion represented more than celebrity involvement, describing it as the natural next step for someone deeply invested in the community’s well-being.

“Congratulations are truly in order for the one and only Shaquille O’Neal,” Wallace wrote, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. “Today marks a significant milestone as he was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The promotion was presented by our sheriff, Reginald B. Scandrett, and shared with the nation on ESPN — a proud moment for our entire community.”

The sheriff’s office has framed the promotion as part of a broader public safety philosophy centered on trust, visibility, and sustained engagement between law enforcement and residents. Officials credit O’Neal’s presence with strengthening relationships and increasing positive interactions across Henry County.

Beyond his work with the sheriff’s office, O’Neal maintains strong ties to the Atlanta area through business investments and property ownership. His charitable efforts across Georgia have included donating shoes to students, providing holiday meals, assisting families after disasters, supporting local athletes, and funding rewards to aid law enforcement investigations.

RELATED CONTENT: Shaq Reveals Reebok May Be In Talks With Stephen Curry

Demond Wilson, ‘Sanford And Son’
by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Pioneer HBCU Band Director Richard Beckford Dies After Long Illness

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from music programs around the country.

The historically Black college and university band community is mourning the death of Dr. Richard Beckford, a longtime band director and educator.

Florida Memorial University announced Beckford’s death on Dec. 26, though the date of his death remains undisclosed. The director of Bands for Florida Memorial University, Beckford, succumbed to complications from a longstanding illness. In 2024, Dr. Beckford’s daughter, Angie, started a GoFundMe to assist him as he recovered from a lung transplant. According to the May 2024 campaign, Beckford’s surgery was successful, and he was on the road to recovery.

Beckford served as director of bands at Florida Memorial University, where he pioneered the program. Additionally, he led the ROAR Marching Band and oversaw concert ensembles and music education initiatives.

 His tenure was marked by an emphasis on musical precision, show design, and student development, with performances that drew attention within the competitive HBCU band circuit.

Florida Memorial University acknowledged Beckford as a leader whose commitment to excellence extended beyond performances to academic and personal mentorship. The university stated that Beckford played a pivotal role in increasing the ROAR Marching Band’s visibility and in preparing students for careers in music and education.

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from music programs around the country. On Instagram, Florida Memorial University ROAR marching band posted a tribute to the man who gave much of himself to its institution.

“We honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Beckford, whose passion for music, unwavering leadership, and dedication to excellence shaped generations of student musicians. His influence will forever echo through the halls of Florida Memorial University and live on in every life he touched. Though he has departed from this earth, his legacy remains eternal. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White Band sent “comfort” to those affected by Beckford’s passing and the school community as a whole.

Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound marching band paid tribute to Dr. Beckford and extended its sympathy to all those affected. 

Southern University’s Human Jukebox praised “his passion for music, commitment to students, and impact on band culture.”

More than band programs are expressing their heartfelt sympathies. Individuals in the HBCU band world are sharing memories of Beckford’s teaching style and leadership approach. 

Beckford’s death comes as HBCU marching bands continue to gain national attention for their musical innovation and cultural influence, from televised performances to high-profile competitions. Educators said his legacy is reflected in the continued prominence of those programs and in the careers of students he mentored.

Details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services had not been publicly announced at the time of publication. Nor has Beckford’s GoFundMe been updated. University officials and band organizations said additional information would be shared as it becomes available.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Continues Reign Of Top High School Marching Bands, Fueling HBCU Band Pipelines

holiday shopping, holiday spending, gifts
by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Holiday Shoppers Shifted To Thrift, Discounts, And Careful Buying

U.S. consumers spent more this holiday season while simultaneously changing how they shopped.

U.S. consumers spent more this holiday season while simultaneously changing how they shopped.

More customers turned to thrift stores and discount retailers, and made fewer impulse purchases, as economic factors shape consumption behavior, The Associated Press reported.

Shoppers continue to open their wallets despite concerns about inflation, interest rates, and household budgets. However, they are shopping intentionally. Data from Mastercard SpendingPulse and Visa Consulting & Analytics showed that total holiday spending using cash and cards increased modestly from 2024 levels.

At the same time, shoppers demonstrated increased caution. Traffic at thrift stores rose sharply in the days leading up to Christmas, with visits climbing nearly 11% compared with the same period last year, AP News reported. Consumers also favored off-price retailers, including chains that emphasize discounted apparel and household goods.

Another notable shift was a decline in pre-Christmas returns. According to data cited by AP News, return rates between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12 fell about 2.5% from the same period in 2024. Shoppers appear to be planning purchases more carefully, buying fewer excess items and sticking closer to budgets. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, told the Associated Press that consumers are making wiser choices this holiday season.

“I think it’s very indicative of consumers and how conscientiously they’ve purchased,” Pandya said. “Many of them are being very specific with how they spend their budget.”

ABC News reported similar trends, noting that early holiday data pointed to more intentional spending patterns, including increased secondhand shopping and fewer returns before Christmas. Retail experts interviewed by the outlet said consumers were reacting to economic uncertainty by prioritizing value and durability over novelty.

Online shopping remained strong, though brick-and-mortar stores continued to account for the majority of sales. While e-commerce played a significant role, many consumers still preferred in-store shopping, particularly at discount and resale outlets where price comparisons are easier to assess in person.

Retailers now anticipate a post-holiday surge in returns, though the volume may be lower than in previous years due to more deliberate purchasing. 

RELATED CONTENT: Shopping While Black: H&M Manager Catches Heat For Racially Profiling 2 Sisters, Refusing Service For No Reason

Delroy Lindo, AAFCA
by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Delroy Lindo Of ‘Sinners’ To Receive Top Honor From African American Film Critics Association

Lindo will receive the Beacon Award at the upcoming AAFCA Special Achievement Awards.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) recently unveiled its slate of Special Achievement honorees for 2026, spotlighting artists, executives, and institutions whose impact helps shape film, culture, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.

Among the top honorees is acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, who will receive the Beacon Award for his work in “Sinners” and his decades-long career marked by uncompromising performances. DeVon Franklin, a producer and thought leader known for bridging faith, film, and commerce, will be honored with the Ashley Boone Award, recognizing his influence as a changemaker behind the scenes, Variety reports.

AAFCA will also recognize Erick Peyton with the Game Changer Award, Jason Aidoo with the Vanguard Award, and Lawrence Lamont as Breakthrough Director.

Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group will receive the Impact Award, honoring the studio’s global influence and sustained commitment to filmmaker-driven storytelling. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, the studio has delivered blockbuster franchises such as “Spider-Man,” “Venom,” and “Jumanji.”

In addition to the main honorees, AAFCA announced the recipients of the 2026 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon honors. Nikkole Denson-Randolph will receive the Spotlight Award, Lorrie Bartlett will be honored with the Salute to Excellence, Michelle Satter will accept the Film Advocate Award, and Sony Pictures Classics will be presented with the Stanley and Karen Kramer Award.

Satter, a founding senior director of artist programs at the Sundance Institute, is being recognized for her impact on independent cinema. Through the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Labs, AAFCA notes she has mentored generations of filmmakers, helping shape some of the most important creative voices working today.

Sony Pictures Classics is being honored for championing “bold, socially conscious storytelling and bringing acclaimed films to global audiences, according to an AAFCA press release sent to BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The first group of honorees will be celebrated at the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards on Feb. 8, 2026, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Additional recipients will be honored during AAFCA’s Annual Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 1, 2026, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Honored With Best Film And Seven Other Wins By African American Film Critics Association

Seattle, rat, toilets, rain, infestation
by Jameelah Mullen

December 28, 2025

Oh Rats! Seattle Officials Issue Warning Of Rodents Coming Up In Toilets Amid Heavy Rain

New fear unlocked.

After weeks of heavy rain, King County officials are warning Seattle-area residents of a possible nightmare scenario: rats could emerge from their toilets. 

In a Facebook post, the Seattle and King County public health department urged residents to “stay calm” and then follow a series of steps, which include flushing the rat down the toilet. The Facebook post, which features comic-book-like illustrations, advises residents to crack open the lid and squeeze dishwashing liquid into the commode to help the rodent slide down into the pipes.

“A large rat may not flush down. In that case, keep the lid closed and call a pest control company,” the Facebook post says. 

The city has seen the worst flooding in recent history this month. The flooding caused by heavy rain and overflowing rivers has damaged several highways and levees, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency in Washington state earlier this week.

Rodents are strong swimmers and can squeeze into small spaces, such as pipes, which is more common in homes and cities with older sewer systems, according to the pest control company Sewer Assassin. Heavy rain isn’t the only reason rats enter toilets; they can also enter when broken pipes allow passage, or when food scents reach drains, attracting the rodents.

Timothy Wong, the technical director of M&M Pest Control in Queens, New York, told The New York Times that the company sees about 20 incidents of rats in toilets each year, typically in dwellings located in the basement or on the first or second floors.

King County officials warn that rodents (rats and mice) are common pests in the Seattle area. Not only do they carry diseases that can cause sickness to humans, but they can also chew on electrical wires, which increases fire risks. 

If you find a rat in your toilet, officials urge you to report it to the country’s Public Health department online or call Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566.

RELATED CONTENT: NYC’s Own Cam’ron Disgusted With City Still Having Rat Problems

North Carolina, bookstore, liberation
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Liberation Station Reopens After Threats Forced Closure Of North Carolina’s Black-Owned Children’s Bookstore

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site in Raleigh.

Liberation Station, a Black-owned children’s bookstore in North Carolina, is set to reopen its doors on Dec. 29 after closing its original location in 2024.

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site at 430 Hill Street in Raleigh. Founded by Victoria Scott-Miller and her husband, Liberation Station first opened on Fayetteville Street in 2023. The literary haven was one of the region’s few bookstores specializing in children’s books by and about Black authors and characters. It has been reported to be North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. According to Scott-Miller, Liberation Station aimed to give young readers stories in which they could see themselves reflected.

The reopening comes after a successful fundraising effort that included community donations and social media support. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $70,000, with some larger donors contributing to the campaign to help cover relocation costs, inventory, and operational expenses for the new Raleigh site. 

After less than a year, the original store closed amid a barrage of threats and harassment directed at the owners and the space, prompting concerns for safety and the decision to pause operations. 

Speaking with WRAL, Scott-Miller also thanked supporters for their continued love and support as the establishment worked to relocate and rebuild. 

“I’m grateful that we had an opportunity to step back, and that we had a community that loves us so much that they allowed us to rest. they allowed us to pause and reimagine what it could look like, not only the bookstore, but then our own personal safety. And so, coming back has been, that of a revival” she said.

Liberation Station’s reopening event on Dec. 29 plans to welcome families and supporters as the bookstore resumes its role as a space for children and parents to explore literature rooted in diverse experiences. 

RELATED CONTENT: Homeless Florida Man Charged With Murder After Fatally Stabbing Elderly Woman At Barnes & Noble Bookstore

×