Amazon, CEO, Andy Jassy, middle managers

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 13, 2025

Amazon’s Strict Return-To-Office Policy Is Drawing Severe Pushback From Disability Advocates

Amazon’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate for employees with disabilities is drawing some stiff complaints from disability advocacy groups and accusations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fortune reports.

Two Amazon employees have filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Labor Relations Board, two federal agencies focusing on workplace conditions. The EEOC received a list from one employee containing the names of 18 employees who were “similarly situated” to enhance their experience and prompt federal regulators to initiate an investigation.

After President Donald Trump mandated that federal agency workers return to the office in early 2025, Amazon was one of several businesses that followed suit. In a letter addressed to the company’s CEO, Matt Garman, employees labeled the policy as unfair and “non-data-driven.” Disabled employees took it further by expressing their disdain with how the company is handling their accommodation requests, such as being exempt from returning to the office five days a week.

According to HR Brew, employees with disabilities who wish to continue working remotely are required to provide proof, including medical documentation, to an “accommodation consultant.”

Without it, they would be forced to work in the office for up to 30 days, during which the company would need to demonstrate a need for the requested accommodations. With AI on the rise, there is concern that the tool will utilize AI to analyze accommodation requests, read doctors’ notes, and make recommendations based on keywords.

Former EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum feels it’s almost a guarantee that the tool will be used, but also feels Amazon would have to prove that adding accommodations would substantially burden the company. “It’s impossible to imagine that companies will not be using AI for any number of needs, including this one,” Feldblum said.

Several employees believe the rule is merely a way for Amazon to indicate that they are not welcome. In a LinkedIn post, cybersecurity engineer and self-identified neurodivergent worker, Nathan Chung, shared similar thoughts.

“They might as well advertise that people with disabilities are not wanted,” Chung said, who has close to 19,000 followers.

Founder and CEO of Global Disability Inclusion, Meg O’Connell, believes Amazon’s move sets a precedent for prohibiting people with disabilities from finding employment. “The problem with eliminating all remote work is that you’re hindering people with disabilities from being gainfully employed, or a large population of them,” O’Connell said.

“People with disabilities have what they need in their homes. They don’t have to ask for accommodation [because] they’ve already built out their space.”

Amazon spokesperson Zoe Hoffmann claims that Amazon’s Disability and Leave Services team ensures employees have access to the necessary accommodations and adjustments to be effective and advance their careers. She labeled the process as “empathetic,” but O’Connell says, “We don’t really believe you.”

by Kandiss Edwards

June 13, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Does Not Want Beef With Nicki Minaj Or The Barbs

Shannon Sharpe diverted from sports talk on his podcast "Night Cap" to apologize to Nicki Minaj over a perceived slight.

Shannon Sharpe quickly apologized to rap icon Nicki Minaj after becoming a topic on her new Banned From NO verse.

On an episode of Sharpe’s sports podcast, Night Cap with Chad Ochocinco, he said he had no issue with Minaj.

Sharpe explained he was once videoed saying, “Nicki Who?,” in response to a fan asking if the Grammy-winning rapper would appear on Club Shay Shay, Sharpe’s interview podcast.

The host explained said he was dismissing the thought of having conservative commentator Nikki Haley on his show.

“I used to go back and forth with people. I was talking about Nikki Haley,” Sharpe clarified. “Nikki Haley said, ‘It’s really great for everybody of Black America,’ and I was like …‘When has it ever been great?'”

Sharpe gave an open invitation to the PinkPrint rapper to join him on Club Shay Shay anytime. Furthermore, he insisted that he was not so “arrogant” that he would not know the rapper or her accomplishments.

“Nicki, I was not trying to be disrespectful. Of course, I know who you are. I would be remiss to say that I thought you knew who I was or that you knew anything about Club Shay Shay. I’m not that arrogant. Nicki, I apologize. I meant no disrespect. You’ll always have an open invitation if you ever want to come sit down and have a conversation. Even if you just want to have a private conversation on the phone or something. It won’t go any further between you and I.”

The verse on Lil Wayne’s new song Banned From No is seen by some as a mild jab.

“Bout to cop you slides, all you do is flip-flop / If I send a pic of Shannon, you ain’t that Sharpe,” Minaj rapped.

Still, as Minaj is known to engage in public disputes, Shannon decided he did not want beef.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 13, 2025

Arrest Warrant Issued For Antonio Brown On Attempted Murder Charge

The charge stems from an incident that took place at an Adin Ross event on May 17.

After a skirmish involving led former NFL star Antonio Brown to draw a weapon, Miami police said this week that he is now wanted for attempted murder with a firearm.

According to ESPN, Brown, who infamously owned an arena football team, has a warrant out for his arrest.

The May 17 incident took place in Miami at an event hosted by streamer Adin Ross. According to the warrant, witnesses say Brown was the shooter in the incident. Two shell casings were found at the scene.

The man who Brown allegedly targeted told investigators that Brown “began to run toward him with a firearm” after the two were involved in a physical altercation. He claims after the fight had been broken up, Brown returned with a gun and fired two shots at him.

The man said that he has known Brown since 2022, according to ESPN.

Brown was initially detained that evening but released with no charges. On social media, he claimed he was jumped by several people who attempted to steal his jewelry. Several viral videos showed him being placed in handcuffs.

Regarding the boxing event that happened last night. I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me. Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me.…

— AB (@AB84) May 17, 2025

Brown had an accomplished, but controversial, NFL career (2010-2021) with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a championship with the Bucs in 2021 with Tom Brady

There has been word on Brown’s whereabouts or if he has been in contact with the Miami Police Department.

Houston Chef Tristen Epps Wins ‘Top Chef’ Season 22 By Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Cuisine

by Mary Spiller

June 13, 2025

Houston Chef Tristen Epps Wins ‘Top Chef’ Season 22 By Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Cuisine

Epps was recognized for his bold Afro-Caribbean cuisine that paid tribute to his roots and culinary mission.

Houston’s very own Tristen Epps has won Season 22 of Bravo’s Top Chef, taking home $250,000—the largest prize in the show’s history.

The win capped off a season in which Epps consistently impressed the judges with inventive, Afro-Caribbean-inspired cuisine that reflected his heritage and culinary identity.

Competing against finalists Bailey Sullivan of Chicago and Shuai Wang of North Charleston, Epps secured the win with a four-course progressive meal that showcased both Ethiopian and Trinidadian influences. For his sous chef, Epps selected Zubair Mohajir, a previously eliminated Top Chef contestant.

His winning menu featured monkfish with baccala mbongo, pollo dorengo with injera shrimp toast, oxtail Milanese crepinette, and a root vegetable cake with charred plantain cream.

While most dishes received praise across the board, Epps’ dessert sparked debate over whether it was the right choice to finish the course or if it was creative and bold.

Despite the Top Chef judges’ split, Epps won.

In an emotional acceptance speech, he paid tribute to the chefs who paved the way in Afro-Caribbean cuisine and honored his stepfather, who died during the season.

“It means so much to me that the cuisine gets recognized, the people get recognized,” Epps said in the finale, per the Houston Chronicle. “I didn’t do it for me, I did it for so many people. My mission has been to increase the value of Black food across the world.”

Along with the cash prize, Epps was awarded Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion Status, $125,000 in Delta travel credit, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, and a dinner at the James Beard House.

The Top Chef winner will also present at the James Beard Foundation Awards and appear at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Epps, who returned to Houston after a decade of pursuing his dreams, has returned to his hometown.

He’s currently preparing to open his fine dining restaurant called Buboy, which will highlight “neo-Afro-Caribbean” flavors.

Epps previously served as executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Miami, which earned a Michelin star under his leadership.

SNAP, NYC bodega, Dia Alqalisi,Dawood Kassim

by Kandiss Edwards

June 13, 2025

Government Bans SNAP Recipients From Buying Soda And Candy In 3 States

Idaho, Arkansas and Utah are now allowed to ban the purchase of soda, sugary drinks and junk food using SNAP benefits.

Three states requested waivers from the federal government to ban the purchase of sugary drinks and snacks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Trump administration approved the request.

Idaho, Arkansas, and Utah are now allowed to ban the purchase of soda, sugary drinks, and junk food using SNAP benefits. On June 10, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed amendments to the definition of food under SNAP. Each state requested different prohibitions. Idaho requests a ban on soda and candy. Additionally, Arkansas is asking for a ban on soda, low and no-calorie soda, fruit, and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice. Utah is only requesting a waiver for soft drinks.

Echoing President Trump, Rollins stated the signing of these waivers will “Make America Healthy Again.” Secretary Kennedy admonished the current system that allows the purchases with “taxpayer dollars.”

“Thank you to the governors of Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, and Nebraska for their bold leadership and unwavering commitment to Make America Healthy Again,” Secretary Kennedy said in a statement. “I call on every governor in the nation to submit a SNAP waiver to eliminate sugary drinks—taxpayer dollars should never bankroll products that fuel the chronic disease epidemic.”

https://twitter.com/RSBNetwork/status/1932558501026406523

Beyond limiting SNAP choices, Kennedy and Rollins have a larger vision. In a statement, Rollins discussed the struggling agricultural community. She vows “much-needed” reform to the SNAP industry.

Rollins invites ” State, territory, and tribal leader in the nation to participate in our “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative to serve as policy incubators and bring greater efficiency to government programs. We encourage you to propose bold ideas to address challenges that have long plagued our nation, particularly rural communities.”

This is not the first exclusion to SNAP benefits. Recipients are currently barred from purchasing alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products. Changes to the program for Arkansas go into effect July 1, 2026. Idaho’s amendment will be active on January 1, 2026.

by Mary Spiller

June 13, 2025

Brevard County Sheriff’s Shocking Vow To Potential Protesters, ‘We Will Kill You, Graveyard Dead.’

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey is drawing national attention after issuing a chilling warning to protesters.

During a Thursday press conference, Brevard County (FL) Sheriff Wayne Ivey warned that protestors who “throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies” would be killed.

“If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at, because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We’re not going to play,” Ivey stated plainlly.

The protests—part of a growing movement known as “No Kings”—have criticized the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and aggressive ICE responses across the country.

Demonstrations erupted in Los Angeles on 6 June and are set to expand to over 2,000 cities nationwide this weekend, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s military birthday parade.

Ivey made it clear that Brevard County law enforcement would respond ferociously to other forms of disruption.

“If you block an intersection or a roadway in Brevard County, you are going to jail. If you flee arrest, you’re going to go to jail tired because we are going to run you down and put you in jail.

“If you try to mob rule a car in Brevard County, gathering around it, refusing to let the driver leave, in our county, you’re most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street,” Ivey added.

“If you spit on us, you’re going to the hospital and then jail,” Ivey continued. “If you hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital and jail and most likely get bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs that we have here.”

The recent protests have been met with federal force — which isn’t typical.

Trump has currently deployed 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles due to confrontations between protesters and law enforcement over the immigration crackdown across America.

Videos of the confrontations have circulated widely online, fueling debate over the administration’s use of force, civil disobedience, and now, the violent rhetoric of local law enforcement.

by Mary Spiller

June 13, 2025

New Guaranteed Income Program Offers $500 Monthly to Select Families in Columbia County, New York

Dozens of families in Columbia County, New York, will soon receive $500 a month through a new guaranteed income program aimed at easing financial strain and supporting early childhood development.

A new guaranteed income initiative is set to bring financial relief to dozens of low-income families in Columbia County, New York. Through a partnership between the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) and the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN), 42 select families will receive $500 monthly for two years, totaling $12,000 per household.

The program is targeted toward families with young children and low incomes. To qualify, applicants must live in Columbia County, have at least one child under six, and earn no more than 80% of the county’s median income, which is around $72,150 for a two-person household.

“This initiative is about more than money — it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity for families during the most important years of a child’s life,” said Kelly Sweet, interim director of Philanthropic Services at BTCF.

“The simplicity of guaranteed income is powerful — it’s direct, effective, and rooted in trust.”

Applications for the program are currently still open, but the deadline is quickly approaching. Families are required to apply to the BTCF program by July 1.

Families meeting the set criteria will be entered into a lottery system for a chance to participate in the program.

According to BTCF and GHPN, the guaranteed income pilot is modeled after similar support efforts nationwide that have already demonstrated positive outcomes.

Programs with similar models have shown improvements in families’ physical, mental, and relationship well-being.

Joan Hunt, executive director of GHPN, emphasized the program’s broader goals in a report from the U.S Sun.

“This initiative is designed to help families meet basic needs, spend more time with their children, and pursue work, education, or training for a stronger future,” Hunt said.

GHPN will manage the program’s administrative side, providing ongoing support to the selected families over the 24 months in partnership with BTCF.

The guaranteed income initiative is so promising that similar efforts are underway in cities like Columbus, Ohio. Backed by nonprofits Motherful, RISE Together Innovation Institute, and UpTogether, 32 single mothers are receiving $500 monthly in a push to improve financial health and security for moms.

As more local governments and nonprofits explore guaranteed income models, initiatives like New York’s Columbia County will serve as a blueprint for supporting working families through direct and unconditional financial assistance.

Wu-Tang Is Forever And The Final Chamber Proves It

by Ida Harris

June 13, 2025

Wu-Tang Is Forever And The Final Chamber Proves It

A final opportunity to witness the Clan tour as a unit

All ten members of the Wu-Tang Clan descended on State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, for the city’s last opportunity to witness the crew tour as a whole for Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber. Staten Island’s finest hip-hop act announced the final run Feb. 24, Billboard reported. Atlanta fans rose to the occasion and to the live vocals and instrumentation.

Along with the original members RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God, Method Man, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killa and Raekwon, the Clan’s dearly departed member Old Dirty Bastard was represented by his son Young Dirty Bastard, making sure his father’s aura was felt as they performed 40 of their cult classics as part of the set list. From the time each member took his place on stage to remind concertgoers that Wu-Tang does in fact “Bring da Ruckus,” till they closed out with much “Triumph,” there wasn’t a still body in the building.

RZA, who has rightfully earned his position as the Abbot, led Atlanta’s final chamber as a master of ceremony, sharing a bit of political commentary about the hypocrisy of the current administration:

“They don’t regulate guns but they try to regulate women,” The RZA said.

He went on to reminisce about historical moments and introduce Wu members to the stage to tear down verses to collective songs and to each his own respective hits. Going down memory lane, reciting 30-year-old lyrics with ease, it is as easy to forget Wu-Tang Clan and its debut album is three decades deep. Though — when the whole clique performs “Protect Ya Neck,” hip-hop heads remember when and where they were when Stretch & Bobbito introduced it to the radio. Folks remember the feeling that ran throughout their body after hearing GZA and RZA rap “Liquid Swords” for the first time. The entire capacity of State Farm arena conjured the throwback joy of spitting “M-E-T-H-O-D MAAAN” and flowing with Meth’s cadence on “Bring The Pain.” The way fans flipped Cappadonna, Ghostface, and Raekwon verses off C.R.E.A.M, Ice Cream and Incarcerated Scarfaces, some may have recalled a time when they wanted to be dope lyricists. U-God, Masta Killa, Inspecta Deck are thoroughly appreciated for their heavyweight contributions.

Between sets and against a backdrop that projected Wu-Tang’s amalgamated reality, a strategic marketing campaign unfolded. A trailer for RZA’s upcoming film, One Spoon Of Chocolate, was shown; so, too, was Ghostface Killah’s movie Angel of Dust and Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver.

The crowd lost it when Method Man’s longtime collaborator Reggie Noble, aka Redman, took the stage to perform “Da Rockwilder,” “Da Goodness” and “How High.”

The Clan finished strong with an obligatory performance of “Triumph” and thanking the multigenerational audience for rocking with the Wu while they crafted an indelible legacy and culture.

It was refreshing to witness all nine Wu members and the “RZA connect.” This may be the final chamber for the group touring as a unit, it surely isn’t the end of the road for these Wu-Tang Warriors.

The Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour continues on to 18 more stops including Madison Square Garden in New York City before its final show in Philadelphia. Check out upcoming dates here.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 13, 2025

‘Exhausting’ Issues Surrounding Marva Johnson’s Contract Cause FAMU Foundation Budget Delay

During a June 11 board meeting, committee trustees declined to vote on the proposed budget given the $388,562 line item for Johnson’s compensation.

The budget for Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation has yet to be approved since the terms for the new controversial president, Marva Johnson, have yet to be agreed on, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

The proposed budget covers $388,562 of Johnson’s pay, including a base pay of $650,000 in addition to annual retention bonuses and other benefits.

FAMU’s Board of Trustees Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons, a strong supporter of Johnson despite the backlash, said the foundation has never paid for a portion of the salary and is confused as to why it would start now.

“It just seems to start to be exhausting that we are trying to literally work against each other as it relates to a lot of different issues,” Gibbons said. “There has never been a time in the history of the university in which we started paying for portions of salaries out of the foundation for presidents that the foundation did not make an adjustment to meet the needs of the contract that was approved by the board.”

During the board’s June 11 Direct Support Organizations and Athletics Committee meeting, committee trustees decided not to vote on the proposed budget given the $388,562 line item for Johnson’s compensation—which was approved in April 2025—and wasn’t updated after a recent contract approval.

The issue may take precedence, given certain ramifications. The FAMU board of directors is required to give a seven-day notice prior to a meeting in order to make necessary amendments. Because of that, the proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget may not be approved before Johnson’s June 18 confirmation with the Florida Board of Governors.

Gibbons is not the only one giving Johnson’s compensation the side-eye. Trustee board chair Kristin Harper feels the contract will add more controversy and put the university at odds with the HBCUs Foundation.

State law limits contributions to $200,000 annually for presidential salaries, according to the Miami Times. With Johnson’s request for a $750,000 base salary, Harper has “concerns about the burden, the financial burden, that this places on the university and the university’s inability to fund this sweetheart deal of sweetheart deals.”

Johnson was selected for the role of the Tallahassee-based HBCU over the objections of alumni and school leaders. The other candidates—the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rondall Allen, and the University of Central Florida’s Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, Gerald Hecto—had experience in higher education.

Johnson does not. The former group vice president of state government affairs for Charter Communications was named a finalist after being named a favorite by former Gov. Rick Scott and current Gov. Ron DeSantis and Gibbons, another appointee by the GOP leaders.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 13, 2025

Cam Newton Explains Why Many Athletes Go Broke Once Careers End

'Your overhead never really changes. Your income changes, but your expenses have to change with it.'

Former NFL player Cam Newton, on a recent episode of his YouTube show, 4th&1 With Cam Newton, explained why many athletes meet financial struggles after their playing careers are over.

In May, Newton discussed the difficulties that some athletes encounter after retiring from or being cut from the sport in which they are involved. Their lifestyles typically match the millions they may have earned while at the peak of their careers. Yet, when the money stops coming in, some tend to try to maintain the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to.

“It’s the unfortunate truth that, yes, a lot of people do go broke or are not able to keep up with the means that they once knew to be life. They want to keep up with the Joneses, they want to do all this,” Newton expressed.

Yet, he does admit that, although he never had a financial advisor, he didn’t splurge like his athletic counterparts. He reiterates that some athletes didn’t plan for their finances after their playing days.

“I will say this. This is the number one rule to why a person may go broke, even though your income change income, is what you make, right, in layman’s terms, even though your income may change where at one point, (Mocking someone who is chastising an athlete who has made millions) ‘ain’t this the same dude that was making $20 million a year, $30 million? But, you stupid!”

He explained that the same expenses persist, but with no longer the same income, bills don’t stop once the significant income is gone. Expenses include private school, children’s expenses, home and car insurance, property maintenance, agent fees, and more.

“Those things never leave,” he said. “Your overhead never really changes. Your income changes, but your expenses have to change with it.”

Sadly, many athletes will fall into the same trap, anticipating that money will always be there, but when that day comes, they will not have properly prepared for it, leading to financial ruin.

However, Newton continues to work, as Awful Announcing just reported that he will be co-hosting a sports show on BET with Ashley Nicole Moss. The show, 106 & Sports, is a spinoff of the classic show, 106 & Park.

“106 & Sports is about more than scores and statistics,” Newton said. “It’s about the culture around the game. The players, their personalities, and, of course, their passion. But most importantly, it’s about the fans.”