Trump, Netflix, Susan Rice
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 22, 2026

Trump Warns Netflix To Fire Board Member Susan Rice Or ‘Pay The Consequences’

Trump has warned Netflix to fire Rice as the streamer tries to merge with Warner Brothers.

President Donald Trump is not afraid to take federal action against Netflix if they refuse to cut ties with Susan Rice after her criticism against Trump on a recent podcast.

Trump warned Netflix to fire the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who has been a member of the streaming giant’s board of directors since 2018. Rice was also President Barack Obama’s national security advisor and President Joe Biden’s domestic policy advisor.

After Trump received word of Rice’s critique, he went on his social media platform, Truth Social, to issue his warning.

“Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences,” he wrote on the Feb. 21 post, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

While it is unknown if Netflix will comply with the Trump’s demands, the matter come as Netflix attempts to merge with Warner Brothers, which requires government approval. Although Trump initially opted to stay out the merger talks, his recent claim suggest otherwise.

Trump’s condemnation of Rice came after Feb. 19 appearance on Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast.

“For those that decided that they would act in their perceived very narrow self-interest, which I would underscore as very short-term self-interest, and take a knee to Trump, I think they are now starting to realize, ‘Wait a minute, this is not popular. Trump is not popular,'” she explained to podcast host Preet Bahara.

Despite her long-list of accolades, Trump further demeaned her legacy, while questioning her worth to the streamer.

Trump added, “She’s got no talent or skills – Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what?”

The current outburst adds to Trump’s pattern of seemingly racially-motivated attacks toward Black women. Trump has notably tried to undermine the faculty of Black women political figures who challenge his authority, with Rice the latest object of his ire.

RELATED CONTENT: Susan Rice Slams Trump As GOP’s ‘Surrender Monkey’

FedEx, tariffs, trump. tariff refunds,
by Mary Spiller

February 22, 2026

Louisiana FedEx Driver Arrested After Allegedly Stealing $62,000 In Missing Packages

Authorities recovered shoes, sports cards, and other goods as retail theft cases from the East Baton Rouge Parish case.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has arrested a suspect after recovering a range of stolen retail items, including nicotine products, graded sports cards, candy, and Nike shoes from missing FedEx shipments. According to EBRSO, investigators completed a search and inventory of the recovered merchandise before identifying and locating the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Tyran Jackson.

Jackson worked as a FedEx driver. He was taken into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine whether additional charges or arrests may follow.

Photos released by the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook show the seized goods laid out as evidence, underscoring the variety of items, allegedly taken, totaling around $62,000. Authorities have not released further details about how the merchandise was obtained.

Baton Rouge Police wrote in the post, “Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect as Tyran Jackson 10/18/1998, a FedEx delivery driver. Upon execution of the search warrant, detectives located and recovered approximately $62,000 worth of stolen FedEx merchandise inside the storage unit. After completing the search and inventory process, detectives located Jackson and took him into custody.”

The arrest follows a similar case earlier this month involving the alleged theft of high-value shipments intended for a Baton Rouge retailer. In that incident, a FedEx driver was accused of stealing approximately $32,000 worth of merchandise that was scheduled for delivery to a local Walmart store.

Law enforcement officials said technology played a critical role in tracking the stolen goods. “The packages were equipped with tracking devices, which allowed investigators to track the merchandise to the 6000 block of Jones Creek Road,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release to The Advocate.

Authorities arrested Draterrius McCollough, 31, in connection with that case. He was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a felony theft charge, officials said.

Officials have not released additional details about potential court appearances or bond information for Jackson. EBRSO stated that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Porch Pirates’ Jamming Wi-Fi So Doorbell Cameras Can’t Record Packages Stolen From Doorstep

Vikings.Rondale Moore, Die,25
by Mary Spiller

February 22, 2026

Vikings Receiver Rondale Moore Dies At 25; Death Under Investigation

Police say the wide receiver was found in his Indiana garage.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at age 25, authorities in Indiana confirmed on Feb. 21, as tributes poured in from across the NFL.

The Floyd County Coroner told The New York Times that Moore’s death remains under investigation and that an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said the athlete was discovered Feb. 21 inside a garage at a property in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Bailey told several media outlets that Moore died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Moore, a standout at Purdue University, entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick in 2021, selected by the Arizona Cardinals. He spent three seasons in Arizona before a series of knee injuries altered the trajectory of his professional career. In 2024, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons but was later placed on injured reserve after suffering another knee injury during training camp.

Before the 2025 season, Moore signed with the Vikings. However, he tore his ACL during the team’s first preseason game and was again placed on injured reserve.

As reported by The New York Times, in a statement, the Vikings said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore.”

The organization added, “While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need.” The team concluded, “Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell also released a statement, saying, “I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death.” He described Moore as “a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots,” adding that “as a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career.” O’Connell said the team is “heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream,” and offered prayers to Moore’s loved ones.

Jeff Brohm, Moore’s former college coach at Purdue, shared his own remembrance. “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm wrote. “The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone.”

He continued, “A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with.” Brohm concluded, “We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2025396364041953355

Several NFL players also reacted publicly. Hall of Famer J.J. Watt wrote, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this.” Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown posted, “You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.” Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. added, “No way man!! Just talked to you. This one hurt my heart.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former NFL Player Frank Pitts Dead At 82

Laila Edwards, Team USA, Hockey
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 22, 2026

Laila Edwards Makes History As First Black Woman To Win Gold With Team USA Hockey

Edwards' family and community back home championed the athlete as she secured gold for Team USA.

In a win for both Team USA and Black History Month, Laila Edwards has made history in women’s hockey at the Winter Olympics.

Upon Team USA’s 2-1 victory against the rival Canadian squad during the women’s hockey finals, Edwards scored her first Gold medal for her performance. The Athletic reports that the 22-year-old is the first Black woman to win a gold medal for Team USA in the sport.

The accomplishment and recognition are not lost on Edwards, who initially made history as the first Black woman to play on the squad during the Winter Olympics. In the match, Edwards also earned one assist to help her team solidify their lead in the rematch against Team Canada. Heralded as one of the best currently playing in the sport, the Gold medal cemented Edwards’s prowess and history-making career.

Her own family’s journey to Milan, where the 2026 tournament is taking place, became one she fought for off the rink as well. A Cleveland native, her community crowdfunded so that she could have familial support during the games, who rallied for her all the way to the Gold event. Fellow Cleveland sports legends, NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, made a significant contribution to Edwards.

‘They helped me get here and make this team and achieve my dream, so it means a lot,’ she said of the GoFundMe, as reported by The Guardian.

With shoutouts from professional athletes and an entire community cheering her on, Edwards has become a role model for Black girls to participate in nontraditional sports. Now, Edwards is not only uplifting Black girls in hockey but also her entire community back home.

“What Laila is doing for hockey … it’s 2026,” shared Dena Bufford, a Cleveland Heights resident. “To be the first Black [woman on the US team] – and she won a gold medal. I’m elated for her family and how she represents and inspires our community. And it’s Black History Month, too? This is a time when we really need encouragement. Our ancestors are celebrating. I’m just so happy.”

With Edwards’ star on the rise, new and old fans can continue to see her perform on the ice. The Daily Mail confirmed that Edwards remains a favorite in the upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League draft this June, with a greater spotlight expected for this new gold medalist.

RELATED CONTENT: Laila Edwards Makes History As 1st Black Female Hockey Player To Score Goal For Team USA

trial, Kanye West, Malibu lawsuit, dress code
by Mary Spiller

February 22, 2026

Kanye Faces Trial Over Malibu Renovation Dispute As Judge Issues Strict Courtroom Dress Code

The Los Angeles judge set strict dress code ahead of a lawsuit involving unpaid wages and safety concerns at West's stripped-down beachfront mansion.

Rapper and fashion entrepreneur Kanye West is set to stand trial starting Feb. 23 in Los Angeles over a legal battle stemming from renovations to his former Malibu beachfront home, with the presiding judge issuing a pointed reminder about courtroom conduct before proceedings begin.

At a pre-trial hearing, Los Angeles County Judge Brock T. Hammond emphasized that all participants — including attorneys, witnesses, and spectators — must adhere to standard courtroom attire. “The parties and witnesses you’re calling must comply with the basic dress code of the court: no hats, sunglasses, or revealing clothing. No drama,” Hammond said Friday, adding that anyone who disregards the guidelines would be denied entry.

West and his wife, Bianca Censori, are both expected to testify during the anticipated 12-day trial. The warning comes amid heightened public attention surrounding the couple’s appearances.

The lawsuit was filed by Tony Saxon, a construction worker who claims he was hired in 2021 to oversee renovation efforts and provide security at the oceanfront property, originally designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Saxon alleges he was promised $20,000 per week for his work, but says he received only one payment.

According to Complex, Saxon claims he lived on-site under challenging conditions while carrying out directives he describes as increasingly extreme related to the remodel. He also alleges he was terminated after raising concerns about safety at the property.

West purchased the residence in 2021 for $57.3 million and later gutted much of the structure, removing major interior elements. The home was eventually sold in 2024 for $21 million, significantly less than the original purchase price.

If the case proceeds as scheduled, jurors will hear claims that the renovation plans created hazardous working conditions and left Saxon without agreed-upon compensation. Saxon is seeking unpaid wages and additional damages. West has denied any wrongdoing.

West’s attorney also expressed concerns about security, noting that the artist’s presence could draw large crowds to the courthouse due to his and Bianca Censori’s status. Judge Hammond acknowledged the potential for heightened attention but made clear there would be no preferential treatment, stating that standard security measures would be in place.

The trial is expected to begin next week in Los Angeles.

Actress ,Harvard’s American Repertory Theater, lawsuit
by Mary Spiller

February 22, 2026

‘My Hair’s Falling Out’: Actress Sues Harvard’s American Repertory Theater Says Styling Left Her Balding

Nike Imoru alleges improper hair styling during 'The Odyssey' production led to permanent hair loss and emotional trauma.

An actress has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), alleging that hairstyling practices during a stage production caused severe and lasting hair loss. Nike Imoru, who appeared in a February 2025 adaptation of “The Odyssey,” claims a hairstyle used to help her transition between multiple characters resulted in significant damage to her natural hair.

According to the complaint, the styling left her with nonscarring alopecia and extensive hair loss.

“My hair’s falling out — I don’t know what to do. My hair’s falling out,” Imoru told NBC Boston, describing the moment she realized the extent of the damage.

Imoru performed five roles in the production and said her hair was styled in tight cornrows with added extensions to accommodate quick costume changes. She contends the combination of tension and extension hair created continuous twisting that harmed her scalp.

“Between the tension and the extension hair, it caused a damage so that the corkscrew style extension continued to twist,” she said.

Within days, she noticed alarming changes. She estimates she lost roughly 90% of her hair, with some follicles no longer producing growth. “It hasn’t grown beyond maybe half an inch in a year,” she said.

Beyond the physical impact, Imoru described emotional distress in the months that followed. “Dissociation, trauma, anxiety, fear, dread, a real shredding, I would say, of my mental health over the course of a year,” she said.

As reported by NBC Boston, in her lawsuit, Imoru alleges that A.R.T. failed to properly account for the care required for textured hair and treated her differently from other cast members. The complaint states that despite the theater’s previous public commitments to equity, it caused “grave and lasting harm” through “careless and stereotypical assumptions about her textured hair.”

“Textured hair requires particular types of care,” Imoru said. “I don’t believe that was followed through.” She added that clearer communication and direct consultation could have prevented the outcome.

Five years ago, A.R.T. issued a public apology for past instances of racial discrimination. The theater did not respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

RELATED CONTENT: Employer Settles Federal Lawsuit After Firing Woman For Wearing Natural Hair

Minimum Wage, Inflation
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 22, 2026

How The Hunt For Minimum Wage Employment Has Become A Tedious Assignment

Job seekers feel the recruitment and interview process from employers has become too tedious, especially when the outcome is rejection.

What used to be easy to be hired for a low-paid job or a job making minimum wage, has become an unwanted task for job seekers and keeping the “now hiring” sign on employers’ doors. 

Job seekers feel the recruitment and interview process from employers has become too tedious, especially when the outcome is rejection. A woman named Zahara, 20,  said her interview for a crew member position at a Wingstop location was “a waste of time,” The Guardian reports. The gig paid $14.53 USD, a little over the minimum wage for her age range, with the interview process including being asked to complete quizzes, rank the importance of various kitchen items, and finish an online application with 10 paragraphs inquiring about her work experience. 

She received a short rejection email some days later. “What a joke,” she said. 

Martin Warnes, managing director of the job website Reed in the United Kingdom, says hiring staff has become more costly and risky for businesses, in addition to unemployment rates reaching their highest at 5.2% in close to five years. Its reason such as these as to why Warnes says businesses are “putting more emphasis on pre-employment screening” in an effort to help evidence that they’re bringing the right person into the business.“

But at what cost? 

Eve, 19, applied for a floor sales associate position at a retail giant. She thought everything would be easy after being invited for a 90-minute group interview with 20 other candidates. But then she said things took a turn, making the interview feel like a public speaking exercise, saying “it was nerve-racking.”  Then, Eve said the group was split up and asked to create an outfit for Lady Gaga before talking about it to the rest of the group. “I was really desperate for the job … I’ve worked in shops before, and I can very easily speak to customers. But this was about talking in front of a big group of people. Speaking to one customer is different from speaking in front of 20 people,” she said. 

“It’s like The Hunger Games, but you’re all trying to get a job in a shop where you’re going to be folding clothes all day, for just over minimum wage.”

Head of research at Lancaster University-based thinktank, the Work Foundation, Alice Martin, feels employers are making things harder for themselves with the recruitment process, claiming it’s all because “they’re taking advantage to some extent of the fact that there are that many people out there who need the job.”

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the unemployment rate isn’t all that better but not as bad. According to The New York Times, between January and February 2026, the unemployment rate fell from 4.4 percent to 4.3 percent, suggesting stability in the labor market but proving there is more work to be done. So those employed at any level should celebrate. 

Like a woman who goes by the name @therealskeezyd on X. She went viral for celebrating being employed by Costco after almost three months of being unemployed.  

Some social media users were clowning her but then Costco was celebrated for being what is described as a great employer. “Man, I’ve been trying to get a job at Costco for sooo long, I know somebody who works at the door checking receipts and makes $25/hour,” one social media comment read. 

Another said, “They must not know that Costco’s employee turnover rate…She hit a lick on that one!!”

RELATED CONTENT: Wages for Young College Graduates Remains the Same as in 2000

Juneteenth, Post Falls, Idaho, holiday
by Kandiss Edwards

February 22, 2026

Idaho City Leaders Scrap Juneteenth, Restore Columbus Day

The decision means Post Falls city employees will no longer have Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The city council in Post Falls, Idaho, voted to remove Juneteenth from its official list of city holidays. Instead, Post Falls will restore Columbus Day.

On Feb. 17, the six-member Post Falls City Council voted 4-2 to eliminate Juneteenth from the municipal holiday calendar. The decision means city employees will no longer have Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Mayor Randy Westlund vehemently supports the change. He believes Columbus Day reflects the city’s commitment to honor “American heritage.” 

“Removing Juneteenth from the holiday list and restoring Columbus Day, which I believe is a more appropriate holiday honoring our American heritage,” Westlund said at the council meeting. 

Council President Joe Malloy straddles the fence when speaking on the council’s decision. He asserts Juneteenth is a “crowning achievement” in America. However, in his opinion, Columbus’s discovery of America is also a notable event. However, history has proven that Columbus never actually set foot on continental U.S. soil. 

“Juneteenth celebrates the actual end of slavery in the United States, and the abolition of slavery, I believe, is one of the crowning achievements of Western civilization [and] is certainly worthy of celebration,” Post Falls City Councilmember Joe Malloy said. “On the flip side, North America as we know it and the United States entirely would not exist if we’re not for the expeditions of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers, which are also worth celebrating. So I don’t know if you consider doing it every other year type of thing, but I think both are very relevant to our history and worth celebrating.”

In the meeting, Councilman Marc Lucca stated that Martin Luther King Jr. Day, another federal holiday recognizing civil rights progress, is sufficient. Juneteenth commemorates the moment when enslaved people were informed of their freedom and were able to embrace their rights as full American citizens.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and is widely observed across the United States. 

The Post Falls decision affects only the city’s official holiday schedule. Juneteenth is still recognized under state and federal law. While the town has the authority to make the change, federal offices will continue to observe it as a national holiday. Additionally, federal employees will continue to receive pay.

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. National Parks Remove MLK Day And Juneteenth From Free-Entry List, Replace Them With Trump’s Birthday

50 Cent,Jim Jones, studio
by Kandiss Edwards

February 21, 2026

50 Cent Is Forever Petty, Posts Alleged Video Of Jim Jones’ Crashout

The 'Many Men' rapper posted a video of Jones allegedly attempting to break down the door of his 'Let’s Rap About It' podcast studio.

Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is cranking up his internet beef with rapper Jim Jones by releasing embarrassing video footage.

The “Many Men” rapper posted a video of Jones allegedly attempting to break down the door of his “Let’s Rap About It” podcast studio location. According to Jackson, Jones was allegedly evicted from the space. Furthermore, he states that if the two feuding peers “was friends” he would still have access to the space. 

He continued his taunts, claiming he is a co-owner of the property and will seek compensation for the damage. To sharpen the blow, an alleged termination of lease letter addressed to Jones was added to 50 Cent’s carousel of slides. 

“Sam is my partner I own the joint, now you’re gonna fix every door you kick or I’m gonna kick ya a*s Jimmy,” Jackson wrote, according to Complex.

Jim Jones has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims referenced in 50 Cent’s post. 

The feud between the two rappers has played out publicly in recent months through online posts and commentary. The latest message from 50 Cent continues a pattern of social media back-and-forth between Jones, 49, and Jackson, 50.

The renewed tension between 50 Cent and Jim Jones also comes as Jones’ name has resurfaced in a separate lyrical dispute. In its review of Clipse’s forthcoming project “Let God Sort Em Out,” Consequence reported that Pusha T’s verse on “Chains & Whips,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, was “confirmed to be about Harlem’s Jim Jones.”

In the song, Terrence Thornton, known as Pusha T, hints at Jones being bereft of funds. Pusha claims Jones runs “from the spirit of repossession” and that his jewelry is fake because “too much enamel covers your necklace.”

Thornton also goes on to take shots at Jones’s foray into reality TV with his appearance on Love & Hip Hop in the twilight of his rap career. 

In the verse, Pusha T raps, “I’m watching your fame escape relevance/ We all in the room, but here’s the elephant/ You chasing a feature out of your element.”

While Jones has not publicly responded to the lyric referenced in the review, the mention adds another layer to the ongoing friction circulating among several prominent rappers in the past few years. 

RELATED CONTENT: 50 Cent Partners With DoorDash To ‘Literally Deliver The Beef’

grand rapids, police, teen, mother
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 21, 2026

Mother Disputes Police Account, Says Son Was Shot In Back Of Head By Grand Rapids, MI, Police

Da’Quain Johnson, 32, was shot in a parking lot and died the next morning.

By Robert Hill  

On Feb. 18, 32-year-old Da’Quain Johnson was shot in the parking lot of Eastern Lofts on Eastern Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He died the next morning. Police initially said Johnson was believed to have been shot in the chest, but after viewing her son’s body, Angelica Johnson said he was shot in the back of the head and disputed the department’s account of what happened. 

Angelica Johnson spoke at a press conference on Feb. 20 to discuss the details surrounding the death of Da’Quain.

Before the shooting occurred, Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) officers received alerts about a man riding a bicycle who was potentially armed. Officers say when they attempted to make contact, Johnson fled on his bike. 

As reported by Fox 17, “Officers followed and found Johnson in a parking lot behind a nearby apartment complex. A police canine was deployed, and Trigg said the dog likely bit Johnson, but he continued resisting and fighting with officers.” One officer fired their weapon after Johnson produced a handgun, according to a release by the department.” 

Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated that Johnson had been shot in the chest. However, three bodycam and dashcam clips appeared to show something different. 

After viewing the footage, Johnson’s mother said her son was shot in the head while lying face down on the ground with a police canine on top of him. During the press conference, she stated that his hands appeared to be behind his back at the time of the shooting. 

As reported by MLive, she said, “Y’all couldn’t see it, but you will soon enough. But my son was shot in the back of the head. He was mauled in the neck by a dog. And the way he was shot … you could tell that his hands were being held behind his back.” 

Johnson was a convicted felon and did have a firearm, according to police; however, members of his community described him differently. 

Community members gathered to view the footage released by activists, which they say shows what transpired during Johnson’s encounter with police. The Michigan State Police is conducting the investigation. 

During the press conference, his mother urged the community to protest peacefully, stating that if justice is to be achieved for her son, it must be done peacefully. 

RELATED CONTENT: Bronx Teenager Shot Dead After Defending Friends

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