Current Events
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Shareholders at Apple rejected a proposal to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion program despite pressure from Republicans and President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday (Feb. 25), shareholders at Apple voted to reject a proposal to end the tech giant’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program. The proposal was presented by the conservative think tank known as The National Center for Public Policy Research. The group was hoping to coerce Apple to eliminate its DEI policies, using the agenda of President Donald Trump as an example to follow. The final tally was 8.84 billion votes to reject the proposal, with 210.45 million votes for it.
“We’ve never had quotas or targets for Apple. Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration, one where people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to innovate,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a question and answer session at the meeting. He did acknowledge the pressures from Trump and other GOP supporters, adding that “as the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver.” Apple disclosed in 2022 that three-fourths of its workforce were white and Asian, and two-thirds of the workforce were men. Its DEI policies are concentrated on initiatives that aid Black entrepreneurs and others of color, created in the wake of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020.
The National Center for Public Policy Research also presented a similar proposal to Costco Wholesale last month, which the shopping giant also rejected strongly. Despite companies such as Meta and Google rolling back some of their DEI initiatives, it’s estimated that roughly half of the corporate leaders surveyed since Jan. 20 about eliminating those programs are not planning to follow suit.
President Trump wasn’t pleased with Apple’s decision, blasting them in a Truth Social post: “Apple should get rid of DEI rules, not just make adjustments to them. DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone!!!” The National Center for Public Policy Research’s proposal to Apple cautioned that they could be subject to lawsuits by the Trump administration, but Cook signaled that Apple is forming legal protections.
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Source: Al Pereira / Getty
The man who has been convicted of the senseless murder of Rap pioneer Jam Master Jay was recently stabbed in a jail fight.
Karl “Little D” Jordan Jr. was recently involved in an altercation that led to him being stabbed at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. According to The Daily News, the rumble stemmed from a dispute between two gangs. After the melee he was hospitalized and treated for his injuries, all which were non life-threatening. NBC News reports that a spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed that brawl happened around 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, between “multiple incarcerated individuals.” They also confirmed another unidentified individual also needed medical attention.
After many years of rumor and speculation the Jam Master Jay murder trial finally commenced in February 2024. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were both found guilty on counts of murder and trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office allege that Jam Master Jay was financing drug buys. In August 2002, he is said to have purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine on consignment from a distributor out of California. The drugs were intended to be split up amongst Jam Master Jay and Karl Jordan, but a dispute led to the Rap pioneer cutting him out of the deal. Jam Master Jay was shot at his studio in Queens, New York, on Oct. 30, 2002.
Karl Jordan Jr. is currently awaiting sentencing.
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty
In today’s episode of I’m Starting To Suspect America Has Been An Oligarchy This Entire Time, The Washington Post published a report Wednesday that shows Elon Musk, President Donald Trump’s white nationalist bosom buddy who Trump tapped to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been the beneficiary of tens of billions in taxpayer funds over the last two decades.
It’s almost as if the real immigrant who is taking American jobs has been very efficient at taking money from the “big government” he and Trump claim they want to shrink so badly.
From the Post:
Over the years, Musk and his businesses have received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits, often at critical moments, a Washington Post analysis has found, helping seed the growth that has made him the world’s richest person.
The payments stretch back more than 20 years. Shortly after becoming CEO of a cash-strapped Tesla in 2008, Musk fought hard to secure a low-interest loan from the Energy Department, according to two people directly involved with the process, holding daily briefings with company executives about the paperwork and spending hours with a government loan officer.
When Tesla soon after realized it was missing a crucial Environmental Protection Agency certification it needed to qualify for the loan days before Christmas, Musk went straight to the top, urging then-EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to intervene, according to one of the people. Both people spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.
Nearly two-thirds of the $38 billion in funds have been promised to Musk’s businesses in the past five years.
In 2024 alone, federal and local governments committed at least $6.3 billion to Musk’s companies, the highest total to date.
The U.S. has to be one of the only developed nations with “leaders” who will gleefully fork over billions in taxpayer funds to rich, white welfare queens and then turn around and treat poor people like they’re the burden the country can’t bear. That’s right, an immigrant-hating billionaire president appointed a billionaire immigrant who America already made an even richer billionaire to be the authority on government efficiency — and the MAGA world is still trying to credit Trump with restoring the government to one that is by the people and for the people. They’ve bought into the idea that DEI is destroying America while pretending not to see the quid pro quo energy that’s happening as unqualified white supremacy hires are filling their MAGA messiah’s cabinet.
Sad.
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Source: Tom Williams / Getty / Jasmine Crockett
Democratic Congresswoman and political star Jasmine Crockett kept it real when asked what she would say if she had the opportunity to speak with Elon Musk directly.
Crockett spoke for many Americans who are no fans of Donald Trump, especially Elon Musk, following the ridiculously mass firings within the federal government due to federal budget cuts made by Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).
In a video that has since gone viral on X, formerly Twitter, Crockett was asked “”If you could speak directly to Elon Musk, what would you say?”
Without any hesitation, Crockett responded, “F*** off.”
The Texas politician has been making a name for herself for the verbal takedowns of her MAGA rivals like Marjorie Taylor Green, Nancy Mace, Trump, and now Musk.
As expected, many appreciated Crockett for saying what many would love to tell the Tesla chief to his face.
“Patriot. She has more cojones than every single republican in congress,” one user on X said.
Another user added, “i’m sorry but my favorite thing about her is that she doesn’t give a singular f**k.
Writer and director Matthew A. Cherry echoed many folks’ sentiments in his post on X, saying, “I’d vote for her.”
But not everyone is happy with Crockett’s comments. “Jasmine Crockett tells Elon Musk he should “f*** off.” Is this how elected representatives should talk?” the account Road to The Election asked on X.
That’s rich when Donald Trump constantly goes off the rails during his rants; oops, we mean speeches and curses.
Anyway, Jasmine Crockett’s energy towards Donald Trump and the MAGA crew is what’s needed, so we hope she doesn’t change.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Source: Theo Wargo / Getty
The controversial founder of Fyre Festival announced that the second edition of the concert event will take place on a Mexican island, causing many online to express disbelief.
On Monday (February 24), Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland announced that the second edition of the ill-fated music fest will take place this year. In a press release that was shared on social media, McFarland stated that it would be a “three-day escape to the Mexican Caribbean where you’ll explore by day alongside your favorite talent and come together at night to celebrate with music,” with patrons being hosted in “world-class accommodations” with the ability to take part in “adventures led by international and local talent, taking guests on boundary-pushing excursions by day and uniting for intimate beach-side performances at night.”
Further details revealed that the festival will be held at Isla Mujeres, a luxury tourist destination just off the coast of Mexico from May 30 to June 2. Specifically, the festival will be staged at “Playa Fyre”, which is just west of Isla Mujeres according to coordinates on the event’s website. The local government of Isla Mujeres stated that it has not received any permits from organizers when contacted by The New York Times. 2,000 tickets are now available, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. The latter price is for an all-inclusive “Prometheus” package promising round-trip airfare from Miami to Cancun as one of the perks.
There are no performers scheduled so far for Fyre Festival 2, and in an interview with NBC’s Today, McFarland said “I’m not in charge of booking the talent,” adding that the musical acts would be from different genres including Hip-Hop, rock and electronic pop. “I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again. But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again,” McFarland said in a statement, adding: “After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for FYRE 2. The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history. Thank you to my partners for the second chance.”
The news of the festival potentially taking place caught the attention of numerous skeptics online, who had jokes for those considering going to the festival after the first iteration failed spectacularly leading McFarland to spend six years in prison beginning in 2018. He was released in 2022. “We have Trump round 2 so why not Fyre Festival round 2,” wrote Blue Sky user Daniel Braten.
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Elon Musk / Donald Trump
This hilarious stunt will definitely make Donald Trump feel some type of way, and in *Trump’s voice* it definitely won’t be good.
Hackers finally put their talents to good use, hacking a television at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday morning and playing an AI-manipulated video of puppet Donald Trump kissing and carressing the real president, Elon Musk’s feet.
The stunt was first reported by Vox journalist Rachel Cohen, who said the video with the message “LONG LIVE THE REAL KING” was being played on TV at the agency that Trump considers to be a “Black job” because any Black person who is linked to Trump lands that position.
If you guessed it, the current HUD Secretary, Scott Turner, is a Black man; Trump’s last pick for that position was Ben Carson.
The video plays on the current sentiment amongst people who can’t stand both Musk and Trump. They have taken to calling the Tesla Chief the real president while calling Trump a puppet because Musk seems to have so much influence over the president.
It also comes after Trump shared an AI-generated TIME magazine cover with himself on it with the caption “Long Live The King” after he claimed to have killed New York’s congestion pricing.
The Hackers Are Getting Love On X
Reactions to the stunt from those on the left are what you should expect; they loved it.
“Not all heroes wear capes,” a post on X from the Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee account read.
Another post added, “He must have found out Musk’s net worth.”
HUD spokeswoman Kasey Lovett commented on the incident, saying it was “another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources” and that “Appropriate action will be taken for all involved.”
This video clearly indicates how much of a joke this administration is.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Source: Marvel Studios / Black Panther: Wakanda Forever / Okoye
If you eagerly awaited the Black Panther spinoff series featuring Okoye, we have bad news for you.
Marvel’s head of streaming, television, and animation, Brad Winderbaum, confirmed that the Okoye series starring Danai Gurira is no longer moving forward at Marvel Television.
Talk of the series began in 2021, but there hasn’t been a peep about it until now.
“I think fans of Okoye are going to be excited to see her come back, but I don’t think it’s going to be in a television show,” Winderbaum said to Pay or Wait. “I can’t say where and when, but I think there’s a lot to look forward to.”
As for the animated Black Panther spinoff, Eyes of Wakanda, that is still in the works… for now.
“Eyes of Wakanda, more than any other show we’re doing in animation, ties directly into the MCU,” Winderbaum said about the show in 2024. “This is a story about Wakandan history. It’s produced by Ryan Coogler, it’s directed by Todd Harris who is one of our longtime storyboard artists, who I first met when he designed the Hulk vs. Thor fight in Thor: Ragnarok. It’s an awesome show. The action’s insane, the storytelling is fantastic. It’s about the history of Wakanda, but it also expands into the greater MCU at different time periods. So if you’re a fan of the movies, this is gonna be a real treat.”
Social Media Is BIG MAD
Reactions to the news of the Okoye series being put on ice is not sitting well with Marvel fans, specifically, Black ones who feel every other show has gotten a spinoff, but don’t understand why Black Panther is not.
“Characters like Agatha and White Vision can get two entire series but Okoye from an Oscar worthy franchise can’t. I hate the MCU,” one user on X, formerly Twitter wrote.
Another user on X wrote, “I waited over 3 years to get an Okoye show and they canceled it but they are making Daredevil season 2 and a Punisher special. … you see, more men, less women. I hope people are happy.”
Damn, that Okoyo series could have been special. Eyes of Wakanda better be L I T.
Just saying.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Source: Spencer Platt / Getty
Andrew Cuomo is said to be preparing to enter New York City’s mayoral race, with numerous signs indicating it will be soon.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly ready to throw his hat into the ring to become New York City’s next mayor, with several signs pointing toward him making an announcement as soon as the upcoming weekend. The decision comes four years after Cuomo resigned his position in disgrace after being hit with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, but those close to him have said he’s framing a potential campaign to “save” the city from scandal and the pressure of President Donald Trump.
The reported decision to run places Cuomo in an enviable position against current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is rapidly losing approval in the wake of allegedly being pressured by President Trump to aid him in his immigration agenda to receive a pardon from federal corruption charges. Cuomo has not offered any public comment on Adams, but polling shows that among potential Democratic opponents in the June 24 primary, he shows higher numbers of approval from voters.
One of his potential primary opponents, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, has already gone on the offensive against Cuomo by publishing a website counting how many days it has been since Cuomo has mentioned Adams or Trump. “In the past 35 days, when the city has seen funding for hospitals, schools, and senior centers threatened; when our literal sovereignty has been in question,” Myrie said, “he has said nothing.” Observers noted that Cuomo’s late entry could be a good strategy to limit further attacks on him including allegations of mishandling data during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuomo has meticulously avoided unscripted public events and media interviews but has reached out to several prominent Democrats such as current New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, with many donors lining up private events to raise money for his campaign. He has already obtained endorsements – one from his former political rival, H. Carl McCall, and Bronx Democratic Congressman Richie Torres. Cuomo is reportedly soon to be endorsed by the New York City District Council of Carpenters, although a representative’s comments were vague regarding such an announcement.
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Alvin Poussaint, a psychiatrist who applied his studies to assist those within the civil rights movement, passed away on Monday (Feb. 24). Among Dr. Alvin Poussaint’s accomplishments, he was also instrumental as a consultant for several television series throughout his career.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint was born on May 15, 1934, in East Harlem, New York. As a studious child, Poussaint’s love of reading translated into his study and love of the sciences in high school. After entering Columbia University, Poussaint earned a pharmacology bachelor’s degree in 1956. He then entered Cornell Medical School and was reportedly the only Black student admitted that year and earned his M.D. in 1960. This experience shaped Poussaint’s worldview and was a continuance of the racism he experienced in high school and undergrad.
Poussaint would go on to become the chief resident at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute but left the role in 1965 to join the Medical Committee for Human Rights as its Southern Field Director in Jackson, Miss. Poussaint completed his residency in 1964 at UCLA, earning an M.A. degree. Poussaint focused his efforts at the time on working to dismantle racial segregation, arguing that racial bias was detrimental to the mental health of the Black community. While working for the committee, Poussaint and his colleagues administered care to those working in the civil rights movement, many of whom endured physical violence and mental warfare under the guise of segregation.
In 1967, Poussaint became a faculty member of Tufts Medical School where he served as the director of the school’s psychiatry program situated in a low-income housing project. He also used his time in the role to illustrate that race relations in the nation still needed to improve despite the strides made at the time. In 1969, Poussaint left Tufts and joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School, where he remained for the rest of his career as a professor and associate dean of student affairs. Even in those hallowed halls, Poussaint never put civil rights on the back burner and continued to champion the movement.
During the 190s, Poussaint was known as a media consultant for scripts for Black sitcoms, including The Cosby Show and A Different World among others. His role was to ensure that what was depicted onscreen truly mirrored the real lives of Black families and students along with highlighting the positives of Black family life. Government agencies such as the White House, the Department of Health, and the FBI also sought guidance from Poussaint.
Poussaint did have his fair share of critics, especially those who thought his assessment of racism as a mental health condition instead of a divisive systemic practice that placed Black people under its weight. While well-meaning, some believed that putting racism in the same realm as a mental health disorder discredited the very real racism Black and non-white people faced across the country.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint is survived by his wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, with whom he had a daughter. His first marriage to Ann Ashmore ended in 1988 and the pair had a son. According to his spouse, Poussaint passed away in his Chestnut Hills, Mass. home.
Poussaint was 90.
[h/t The History Makers & The New York Times]
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Unique Nicole / Getty / Kamala Harris
In her first TV appearance since leaving office, our MVP, Kamala Harris, delivered a moving speech at the NAACP Image Awards that left social media reflecting on the kind of energy we could have had in the White House instead of what we are currently dealing with.
Saturday Night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, everyone was on their feet as Kamala Harris accepted the organization’s Chairman’s Award.
“This organization came into being at a moment when our country struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred. And those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against — no illusions about how stony the road would be,” said to the audience members.
She continued, “We use our power; we organize, mobilize, we educate and we advocate. Because, you see, our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith — faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it.”
The applause didn’t stop as Harris continued her speech.
Harris ended her speech by saying, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”
Social Media Had Plenty To Say
Social media was in their feelings during the speech, mainly reflecting on what could have been had she won the 2024 Presidential Election and not forgiving those who didn’t vote for Harris.
“I will never forgive any of you who voted against her or sat on the sideline. You get zero grace from me,” one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Another X user said, “Ugh I can feel the pain and frustration of many people in this room. Every time VP Harris speaks, there’s hope, yes, but also a reminder that America messed up.”
A missed opportunity. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.