JPMorgan Chase Admits To Trump’s Accounts Being Closed After Jan. 6 Attack
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

JPMorgan Chase Admits To Trump’s Accounts Being Closed After Jan. 6 Attack

The public statement is a first.

For the first time publicly, JPMorgan Chase has admitted to closing President Donald Trump’s bank accounts following the Jan 6. attacks—and the president knew about it, the Associated Press reports. 

The admission came amid a court filing submitted in Trump’s $5 billion lawsuit accusing the bank of disrupting his business operations and of having political motives. JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, said the president knew it was happening.

“In February 2021, JPMorgan informed Plaintiffs that certain accounts maintained with JPMorgan’s CB and PB would be closed,” former chief administrative officer Dan Wilkening wrote in the court filing, with “PB” and “CB” standing for JPMorgan’s private bank and commercial bank.

The public statement is a first. The bank has only pushed back hypothetically on the narrative surrounding reasons behind account closures, citing bank privacy laws. 

Trump’s long-stemmed battle started in a Florida state court after he originally accused the bank of trade libel and violating state and federal unfair trade practices. Trump first tried to raise a personal issue with Dimon after JPMorgan notified him that it would close his accounts. In the original suit, Trump alleged Dimon told him he would figure out what was happening, but failed to follow up with the president. 

While JPMorgan said the lawsuit had “no merit” at the time, Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, said the admission just proves his client’s sentiments.

“In a devastating concession that proves President Trump’s entire claim, JPMorgan Chase admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm,” Brito and other attorneys said in a statement, according to The Hill.

“President Trump is standing up for all those wrongly de-banked by JPMorgan Chase and its cohorts, and will see this case to a just and proper conclusion.”

The president and Republican lawmakers have collectively accused major financial institutions of de-banking, when banks close customer accounts or refuse services, calling it “reputational risk.”

Capital One was added to the list of sued banks by the Trump Organization after more than 300 of its accounts were closed following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

De-banking first came under the national spotlight when conservatives accused the Obama administration of putting pressure on banks to stop servicing gun stores and payday lenders under “Operation Choke Point.”

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Jamaica Colosseum Mall
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

End of An Era: New Yorkers Bid Farewell To Jamaica Colosseum Mall After Being A Black Business Staple For 42 Years

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne called the mall “legendary” and remembered it not just being a place to shop for the latest and greatest at inexpensive prices, but where you would go to grow up.

New Yorkers from all over gathered in front of what used to be known as a staple for retail and hip-hop culture, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, saying last “goodbyes” amid its closing after 42 years.

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne called the mall “legendary” to Spectrum News NY 1 and remembered it not just as a place to shop for the latest and greatest at low prices, but also as a place to grow up. “This is where we all used to hang around. It’s just sad to see it go,” she said. 

In a fitting setting, hundreds gathered for the Feb. 21 farewell block party featuring dancing, performances, and words from community leaders. Legendary Lost Boys member and Southside Jamaica native Mr. Cheeks showed his love for the outlet by performing some of the music visitors often hear while shopping. 

Queens’ son and co-creator of music video program Video Music Box, Ralph McDaniels, was also seen reminiscing on how his legendary run started directly across the street, DJ’ing for some of hip-hop’s greatest.

https://twitter.com/ParisSorel/status/2025446321155342464

For 42 years, Black and other minority small business owners grew their businesses, selling sneakers and jewelry and giving birth to the airbrush t-shirt and name belt era. 

The property first went up for sale in 2015, after the City Council approved the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a rezoning effort with the goal of bringing new development to the area, including apartments and new retail space. Mike Nurse, who ran the Sports in Effect store since its 1990 opening, said business owners were told to pack up and leave by the end of February 2026, according to the U.S.Sun. 

He said after building something, it’s very hard to walk away from something you built.”

Community activist Donovan Richards Jr. posted images on X of the block party turnout and reminisced about what the site meant to so many, calling it “emotional,” but he also notes that a new chapter doesn’t mean forgetting the past.

“Emotional day in Jamaica, Queens, as the Jamaica Coliseum closes its doors. So many memories in that building. The battles between my alma mater, Jamaica High, and Hillcrest. The fake gold chains. The 5 for 20 tees. The energy you just can’t recreate,” he wrote. 

“As a new chapter begins, we have a responsibility to make sure the history is not erased, and the opportunities grow and not shrink. We will keep fighting to preserve space for Black entrepreneurs, culture and community in Downtown Jamaica. Legacy matters.”

Remembering how hip-hop icons like Queens’ own LL Cool J and Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan filmed music videos right in front, directly across deli owner Sharif El Samet worries about what the space will become.

He adds to Nurse’s sentiments about how the Colosseum brought “people from everywhere to shop,” and he points out that the business relationships built inside the mall are the hardest to replace.

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Nigeria
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 23, 2026

Professional Man-Beater In Nigeria Makes A Living By Helping Abused Women Get Street Justice

Aleti Crystal is a famed professional man beater in Nigeria, but only uses her power against abusive men.

A professional man-beater is in the business of vigilante justice, particularly against abusive men.

Aleti Crystal appeared on the TUBTS podcast to reveal her thought-provoking venture. Crystal is a modern-day superhero for the beaten and battered. She detailed her business to the podcast host, with the clip going viral on social media.

“I recently started a business where I beat men who beat pregnant women, underage girls, or rape victims,” she shared. “I will start working with the police, and my goal is to beat at least 1,000 men before 2027.”

The business has already turned a profit, one more valuable than her content creation. Crystal uses social media to promote her business, gaining many of her clients through platforms like TikTok.

However, according to the Nigerian Bulletin, Crystal does not do it all alone. She works with a team for her vigilante mission, as the women clients task them with teaching men the hard way.

“I beat them up properly,” added Crystal. “I have a group of people that I work with to beat them into shape.”

While some might see the business as an extreme way to get even, Crystal has received tremendous support from her community. Although naysayers could find their purpose to perpetuate the violence done to these women, Crystal sees otherwise. To her, the physicality makes it clear to the abusers that their ways do not go unpunished.

“It’s about protecting women and sending a message that abuse will not be tolerated,” she emphasized.

Black women are especially vulnerable to interpersonal violence, especially in the West African region. An analysis by the Coalition of Feminists for Social Change (COFEM) deemed IPV a “critical region concern.” As for Nigeria specifically, 2018 statistics from the  National Demographic Health Survey found that around 31% of women aged 15-49 have experienced IPV from a partner.

While a prevalent issue affecting over a third of women in Nigeria, these cries of abuse are often brushed aside. This lack of justice within the legal system has led unlikely heroes like Crystal to take matters literally into their own hands.

While ethical concerns remain, Crystal has become a viable solution for abused women to reclaim their power and agency. She hopes to keep the street justice alive until the legal system can effectively support women experiencing interpersonal violence.

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Ryan Coogler, sinners
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 23, 2026

Ryan Coogler Makes History At BAFTAs, Becomes 1st Black Person To Win Original Screenplay

Coogler has added another Black cinematic achievement to his resume with his latest BAFTA win.

Ryan Coogler continues his storied run for “Sinners” with a history-making win at the BAFTA Film Awards.

The “Sinners” director and screenwriter has become the first Black person to win Original Screenplay at the BAFTA ceremony. He won for the 2025 feature film, which also scored numerous nominations in acting and directing, as well as Best Picture.

After receiving the win, Coogler appeared on stage to a wave of applause. He called the moment “nerve-wracking,” as he further cemented himself in cinematic history. During his speech, he expressed his shock, telling the audience he did not expect to take home the bronze trophy in the category.

“I didn’t expect that,” expressed Coogler, according to Variety. “This is nerve-wracking.”

The USC Film School graduate proceeded to talk about the love of his community, which has supported him throughout his groundbreaking career. From the village of creatives he had fostered in Los Angeles to the Black movie-lovers that watch his work, Coogler paid homage to those who have uplifted him to this moment.

Coogler continued, “I come from a community that loves me. They made me believe that I could do this, that I could be a writer. And it was amazing to be accepted into the community of film actors, the community of Los Angeles.”

The Oakland native ended his message by encouraging his fellow aspiring writers to keep creating. Coogler asserted the importance of letting love inspire their work, bringing the stories of their loved ones to life.

“For all the writers out there, when y’all look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you’ve seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better, and let that love motivate you. I’ll be forever grateful for this, thank you all,” he concluded.

Coogler has also seen immense success this awards season with his critically acclaimed film, which has already garnered a record number of nominations. Next, Coogler will head to the award season’s culminating night with “Sinners” up for 16 Academy Awards, including Best Director.

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North Carolina Mom, Novant Health, Baby’s Burial
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Daycare Owner Freed After Shooting Husband For Abusing Children—’I’m Finally Done’

The daycare owner who was jailed for shooting her husband after discovering child abuse at her center is now free and focused on moving forward.

A daycare owner who was jailed for shooting her husband after discovering he was sexually abusing children at her childcare center is now speaking out about life after regaining her freedom.

Shanteari Young recently reflected on the emotional moment she visited a halfway house on Dec. 17, 2025, to have her ankle monitor removed, marking the end of a nearly four-year legal ordeal. Young had been sentenced after shooting her husband, James Weems Jr., in a Washington, D.C., hotel room following allegations that he sexually abused children at her Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center.

“When I got in my car, I started crying,” Young told The Baltimore Banner about having her ankle monitor removed. “Because it was just like, ‘I’m finally done.’”

Weems survived the shooting and was later arrested on charges, including sexual abuse of a minor, and given life in prison. Young pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court to aggravated assault and carrying a pistol without a license, receiving a four-year prison sentence followed by two years of supervised release, with the final portion served in home confinement.

Now that she has completed her sentence, finalized her divorce while incarcerated at FMC Lexington, and begun working at a residential recovery home, Young says she’s focused on moving forward and using her voice to advocate for children who have experienced sexual abuse.

“I want to show people that something catastrophic can happen to you, but you can rebuild, and you can move on,” she said. “I’m trying to change this into a positive situation and help people.”

The aftermath of the case involves Young being named as a defendant in three ongoing lawsuits tied to the now-closed Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center. She said she believes the children deserve compensation but feels she’s being unfairly targeted, adding that the narrative has shifted from “him being the villain to me being the villain.”

Young is now advocating for legislation that would require childcare workers to receive specialized training to recognize, prevent, and report abuse. She has been working with Sean Stinnett, a Baltimore Democrat who introduced the proposal, and says she also plans to launch a nonprofit, Opened Umbrellas 4 Lil Kidz LLC, to support survivors.

As part of her healing journey, Young is currently writing a book about her experience titled “My Protector,” which she hopes to complete by May, teasing that readers will have to pick it up to fully understand the meaning behind the title.

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Elon musk, NAACP, supercomputer, memphis
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Elon Musk’s America PAC Receives Reprimand For Confirmed Election Fraud In Georgia

The action follows a late-2024 investigation launched after Georgia voters reported receiving partially prefilled absentee ballot materials.

New research is fueling election fraud claims promoted by the Republican Party, though the analysis found the fraud was reportedly conducted by America PAC, a group backed by billionaire and X owner Elon Musk.

On Feb. 18, members of the Georgia State Election Board voted to issue a formal reprimand to America PAC over what officials described as an illegal election scheme tied to Musk, The New Republic reports. The action follows a late-2024 investigation launched after Georgia voters reported receiving partially prefilled absentee ballot materials connected to the group.

According to Janice Johnston, vice chair of the Georgia State Election Board, investigators found evidence suggesting that America PAC violated state law by sending voters prefilled absentee ballot applications, which are permitted only for authorized relatives.

Officials also said the materials failed to clearly state they were not official government documents or ballots.

The board quickly voted to issue a formal reprimand to America PAC. The action comes weeks after President Donald Trump claimed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard had been present near a federal raid at a Fulton County elections office tied to alleged foreign interference.

The move has only intensified ongoing tensions between state and federal officials over election integrity claims. Together, the developments represent one of the most significant post-2024 election enforcement actions involving a major political donor group.

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Former Security Guard, Jasmine Crockett, Police Standoff, Dallas
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Poll Shows Jasmine Crockett Could Beat Ken Paxton In Texas Senate Race

New polling shows Jasmine Crockett could beat Republicans in the upcoming Texas Senate general election.

A new poll suggests U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett may have the strongest chance among Democrats to challenge Republicans in Texas’ upcoming U.S. Senate general election.

New polling from Hart Research shows the outspoken Dallas Democrat leading Ken Paxton in a hypothetical general election matchup for the U.S. Senate seat now held by John Cornyn, USA Today reports. Paxton is currently polling ahead of Cornyn in the GOP primary, which could still head to a runoff.

“I’ve been doing the work and fighting on behalf of Texans since before I entered this race,” Crockett said in a statement. “Voters know my leadership and trust me to fight for them. Texas voters are smarter than DC would have you believe. Texans can cut through the noise and won’t be swayed by pundits nor podcasters.”

“I’m up with Latino voters and young people, independents favor me by a double-digit margin, and I am the preferred candidate of working-class voters,” she added. “This is who we need to rebuild our winning democratic coalition.”

Meanwhile, Crockett faces a tight Democratic primary against James Talarico, an Austin lawmaker whose recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert significantly boosted his profile and fundraising. When Talarico appeared on Feb. 16, host Colbert said CBS lawyers advised against airing the interview due to concerns about Trump-era regulators.

Talarico’s campaign reported raising $2.5 million within 24 hours of the segment’s pull. Crockett later told MSNow that the controversy likely gave her rival “the boost he was looking for,” adding that she’s never been invited on Colbert’s show since launching her Senate campaign.

After Talarico’s appearance on Colbert, Crockett said CBS representatives told her the network didn’t block the segment, but that if Talarico appeared, she would need to be offered equal airtime.

“They just said, if you air it, just make sure that you offer the representative equal time. Now, obviously, I wasn’t engaged in that conversation, so I cannot confirm the veracity of any statements,” she said. “But I can confirm that I had never been asked to go on as it relates to kind of talking about the Senate race.”

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Texas, US Mexico Border
by Mitti Hicks

February 23, 2026

State Department Urges Americans Stranded In Mexico To ‘Shelter In Place’

In response to the drug lord’s death, violent clashes erupted in the western part of Mexico.

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans in certain areas in Mexico to shelter in place “until further notice” following an outbreak of violence in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

The warning to Americans in Mexico was issued Sunday after the Mexican army killed the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

In response to the drug lord’s death, violent clashes erupted in the western part of Mexico.

According to Associated Press, burning vehicles blocked roads in Jalisco and other states. Cartel members blocked roads at more than 250 points in at least 20 Mexican states.  Blocking roads is a move cartel members use to slow down military operations.

According to the U.S. State Department, Americans in the Western part of Jalisco State, including in Chapala and Guadalajara, should shelter in place. Those in Reynosa and other municipalities in Tamaulipas State, as well as in areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State, should follow suit.

According to State Department officials, Americans should avoid areas around law enforcement activity, be aware of their surroundings, avoid crowds, and follow the directions of local authorities.

White House Confirms U.S. Military Assisted Mexican Army

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X that the U.S. government provided intelligence support for the operation.

“El Mencho was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland,” she wrote, commending Mexico’s military for its operation.

As the AP reported, the operation signals another priority for Mexican authorities: getting the U.S. military out of the country.

“Ever since President [Claudia] Sheinbaum has been in power, the [Mexican] army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups,” David Mora, analyst for International Crisis Group in Mexico, said.

He added, “This is signaling to the U.S. that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it. We don’t need U.S. troops on Mexican soil.”

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Claressa Shields
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2026

Claressa Shields Remains Undefeated, Scoring Unanimous Decision Over Franchon Crews-Dezurn

Shields record is now 18-0 as Crews-Dezurn falls to 10-3.

Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields stays undefeated in a very convincing unanimous decision in her home state of Michigan when she beat Franchon Crews-Dezurn at Little Caesars Arena.

According to ESPN, Shields, who has a professional boxing record of 18-0, did not lose any rounds, as the three judges scored the fight 10-9, giving Shields the 100-90 decision. Crews-Dezurn’s record fell to 10-3.

The fight, which took place Feb. 22, was a rematch of both of their professional debuts in 2016, when Shields won a four-round decision in Las Vegas. Although the two are friends, during the fight, it didn’t matter. Their friendship was restored after the match.

“I felt like I had to take my time. Franchon hits hard, and she’s tough, and you’ve got to be very tricky with her,” Shields said. “She was trying to cause the upset today and got me with some shots, but Franchon is exactly who she thinks she is — ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ — and that’s one of the best fights that I’ve been in at my professional career, especially at 10 rounds. It was fun. I had to watch my ass every round.”

Crews-Dezurn commented and gave the hard-hitting Shields respect after overcoming the self-described G.W.O.A.T.

“She inspires me. She came in at a time where I was dominant and shook the table up,” Crews-Dezurn said. “When I’m seeing her, I’m like, ‘OK, that’s a point I could get to, or that’s somebody who can keep fire under me,’ and it’s never a jealousy thing. I’m proud of her.”

As Shields entered the ring for the boxing match, she walked in with Lil Boosie, who performed his song, “Set It Off.”

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Gavin Newsom,reparations
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

Really, Gavin? California Governor Receives Backlash For SAT Comment In Front Of Black Atlanta Crowd

Sometimes you just have to read the room.

California Governor Gavin Newsom drew a crowd—and some criticism—during his Young Man in a Hurry book tour after making a comment about a low SAT score and comparing it to a majority Black crowd in Atlanta.

Newsom sat down with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to give his two cents on how the Democratic party should deal with President Donald Trump and MAGA ahead of the imperative midterm election season.

He encouraged party voters to adjust their tone, saying, “We can learn to be just a little bit more humorous.”

“Sometimes less judgmental. Just let it flow a little bit,” the outspoken governor said.

Perhaps Newsom should have taken his own advice.

During the conversation, Newsom, rumored to be putting in his bid for president in 2028, tried to be relatable to the audience, letting them know, “I am like you. I am no better than you.”

“I’m a 960 SAT guy, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, act all there if you got 940, but literally a 960 SAT guy,” Newsom said. 

Then went on to admit that they had never read a speech.

“I cannot read a speech.” 

The score remarks didn’t go over so well on social media, with one user calling it “the most racist thing I’ve ever heard.” 

Other users like @milagropress focused on the audience’s reaction. “He’s not like me. I could read by four, have always been in gifted/accelerated programs/courses, & scored well on my ACT and SAT,” she said on X. 

“It’s disheartening to listen to a room of black people laugh along to being mocked.”

Another news source compared his comments to those of other cringeworthy remarks, like “Poor kids are just as bright as white kids” from former President Joe Biden and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who once said, “Black children don’t know what a computer is.”

However, during a recent CNN interview, Newsom continued the conversation about being dyslexic and how it has shaped his story as a politician, calling it a “freedom” and a “superpower.” 

While he is often celebrated for his continuous pushback against Trump, in particular for leading the Proposition 50 effort for Democrats against Republicans trying to take over Texas, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, in terms of social media, Newsom’s campaign has gotten off to a rocky start.

“His 2028 campaign is already COOKED,” @BehizyTweets said. 

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