Maxine Waters Accuses Elon Musk Of Dubious Dealings, ‘With His High Technology A**’
Waters has been a leading voice against Musk and DOGE
California Representative Maxine Waters suggested that Elon Musk may have interfered with the 2024 election. The congresswoman made the claims in a video posted on X.
“We don’t know everything that Elon Musk has done with his high technology a**. We don’t know what he’s been accused of by some as it may relate to the election, but we’re not going to give up on investigating and finding out.”
Rep. Maxine Waters: "Elon Musk with his high-tech ass may have hacked our last election"pic.twitter.com/wFge4QG3bF
— PoliticsVideoChannel (@politvidchannel) March 5, 2025
Waters has been a leading voice against Musk and DOGE, which announced that it will fire over 80,000 Veterans Affairs employees this week. On behalf of 122 federal lawmakers, Waters hand-delivered a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner requesting an investigation into staff terminations and the private corporations working with DOGE.
“Just as concerning is that several individuals from DOGE who we understand to be currently stationed at HUD, including Scott Langmack and Michael Mirski, come from the very industries that stand to gain from the dismantling of the federal government’s role in housing and consumer protections, and the path that creates for greater housing market consolidation and profiteering at the expense of families,” the letter said.
March 1, the long-time congresswoman spoke at protest against Musk in Hawthorne, California, against Musk’s involvement in the White House. Musk heads the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program created by President Trump on Jan. 20 to cut federal spending. Waters suggested that Musk used his wealth to access political spaces.
“He has bought his way into the presidency by funding all of Trump’s campaign. And now Trump is letting him do whatever the hell he wants,“ the congresswoman said.
She also told the audience that there are several lawsuits against the billionaire who, according to Waters, has profited from numerous government contracts.
McGrath, recognized by Vogue as “the most influential makeup artist in the world,” has been appointed as the Creative Director of La Beauté Louis Vuitton, the luxury retailer’s official makeup brand, which will launch this fall. The partnership marks the culmination of LV and McGrath’s years-long relationship, during which McGrath has styled the faces of LV models for numerous runway shows.
“It’s a true honor. I’m just so excited,” McGrath toldWWD. “At Vuitton, beauty follows that same ethos: design that is meticulously crafted and deeply intentional.”
“For me, Vuitton is luxury in motion — always evolving, always pushing forward, and beauty follows that same philosophy,” she added. “It’s a personal journey of exploration. It’s made to move with you in your everyday life.”
The makeup collection features lipsticks, balms, and eyeshadows that are a storyteller’s dream. With 55 lipstick shades, the brand’s initials “LV” are represented as Roman numerals, symbolizing the number 55. Paying homage to LV’s history as a luxury luggage brand, the makeup line includes colors and ingredients that each tell a unique story.
“We took the time to develop incredible ranges and new formulas,” Louis Vuitton chairman and chief executive officer Pietro Beccari explained. “We like to come with something never seen before in terms of performance, in terms of long-lastingness, and in terms of colors.”
McGrath’s appointment as Creative Director for LV’s makeup debut is the culmination of her longstanding collaboration with the iconic brand. She has created makeup looks for Nicolas Ghesquière since he became the brand’s artistic director of women’s collections in 2014. More recently, she has worked with Pharrell Williams, who joined as the men’s creative director in 2023.
Now, McGrath will lead the luxury brand’s “very refined, very elevated” makeup debut.
“It’s a beautiful collection. You will love it!” she exclaimed.
Fugees’ Pras Hopes The Homie Trump Will Grant Him A Federal Pardon
The FBI labeled Pras’ case the 'largest kleptocracy case to date.'
Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel is urging President Donald Trump to “turn an eye” on him and issue a pardon in his 2023 federal fraud case.
“It’s not a secret we’re working on a pardon,” Michel said in a video posted by TMZ. “My team, we’re hopeful we’re gonna prevail. That’s all you can ask for…When you talk about lawfare and selective prosecution, [Trump and I] probably have that in common,” he said while sitting in a Lamborghini.
“We believe the last Justice Department was probably a little bit egregious. That’s what we have justice for. You just gotta trust the process.”
He added, “Obviously, I hope he turns an eye on me.”
Michel was found guilty following accusations that he participated in multimillion-dollar political conspiracies going back the last two presidencies.
According to Billboard, prosecutors alleged the hip-hop star was funneling money from a Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign. He then was accused of influencing an extradition case involving China during Trump’s first term. Facing up to 22 years in prison, Michel was convicted of 10 counts, with charges listed as conspiracy, witness tampering, concealment of material facts, and not registering as an agent of a foreign power.
The talk of a pardon comes after Corey Amundson, the head of the Justice Department’s public corruption unit that prosecuted Pras, resigned on Jan. 27. It was alleged that the Trump administration tried to reassign Amundson in retaliation for his involvement in criminal investigations into Trump’s classified records retention after leaving the White House in 2021 and attempts to change the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Pras’ publicist Erica Dumas told The Hollywood Reporter that the star’s legal team “is exploring all available options following his case” while remaining “optimistic about potential paths forward.” Michel started an appeal process, arguing that his trial attorney was incompetent, accusing them of combining headlines for closing arguments through AI programs.
The FBI labeled Pras’ case as the “largest kleptocracy case to date,” taking down the Malaysian prime minister, a leading banker at Goldman Sachs, and a high-profile Trump fundraiser during the president’s first White House stint.
While pleading for his own reasons for a pardon, Michel also gave a “shout out” to fellow convicted rapper Tory Lanez, who was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for shooting Grammy Award-winner rapper Megan Thee Stallion. After saying “Free Tory Lanez,” the rapper said he hopes to meet with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to discuss terms of a pardon for Lanez.
“There is not one Yeezy shoe left. It has all been sold, and that episode is behind us.”
The chief financial officer of sports apparel company Adidas stated in a recent earnings report that Adidas no longer has Yeezy items in its inventory.
According to Rolling Stone, Adidas’ partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, ended in October 2022, and the company has finally sold the last of the remaining Yeezy merchandise.
Adidas chief financial officer Harm Ohlmeyer confirmed that there are no more Yeezys, marking the end of the Adidas/Yeezy partnership that started in 2013.
“There is not one Yeezy shoe left. It has all been sold, and that episode is behind us.”
The apparel brand canceled its deal with the controversial music producer after he appeared in a since-deleted Drink Champs podcast practically daring the company to act when he stated, “I can say anti-Semitic things, and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?”
Adidas called his bluff and ended the partnership with the Chicago artist.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.”
“After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products, and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”
In October 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that the sneaker brand reached an out-of-court settlement with the music producer. The agreement negated all legal claims between Ye and Adidas. That deal came two years after Adidas ended its partnership with the fashion designer, who had been in business with them since 2013.
Ye was involved in another controversy when he was selling a T-shirt featuring a swastika on his Yeezy website. Right after the Super Bowl, he removed Yeezy items to sell the offensive T-shirt with the anti-Jewish hate symbol.
Organizers Ready to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’
Selma, Alabama, has a population less than 20,000 people.
As organizers welcome thousands of visitors to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, planners say 2025 feels different.
“This year feels heavy, especially here in Alabama,” Tafeni English-Relf, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Alabama Office, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Selma has a population of less than 20,000 people. However, it has a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
On March 7, 1965, nearly 600 peaceful protestors began marching from Selma to Montgomery to confront Governor George Wallace. Led by Hosea Williams and John Lewis, advocates were fed up with lack of justice for Jimmie Lee Jackson.
Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Fowler shot and killed the 26-year-old Baptist deacon during a civil rights protest in Marion, Alabama. In addition to protesting Jackson’s death, demonstrators protested the violation of their constitutional right to vote.
However, marchers from Selma were met with hostile law enforcement at the east end of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Following Wallace’s orders, law enforcement told marches they had two minutes to disperse.
Williams asked to speak to the officer who had given the command, but the officer refused. Moments later, the commanding officer ordered state troopers to advance. Demonstrators were spat on, attacked with billy clubs and bullwhips, and overrun by horses. More than 50 people were hospitalized, including Lewis.
The attack is known as Bloody Sunday.
Fighting Forward In Selma
A little more than a week after Bloody Sunday in Selma, President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced voting rights legislation to protect the constitutional right to vote. He signed it into law on August 6, 1965.
“Since we’re centering Selma and the 60th anniversary of the bridge crossing, we have seen in Alabama since the Shelby County v. Holder case, the rapid rollback of voting rights legislation that was passed in 1965,” says English-Relf. “We’re [also] seeing lawmakers across the Deep South and across the nation continue to propose, pass, and adopt anti-voter bills into law that are hurting people in the South.”
According to English-Relf, this year’s commemoration theme is “Reimagining Democracy: A Call To Action.” The week will be filled with a series of events and workshops to engage voters throughout Alabama, especially high school and college students.
“It is so important that we convene young people, establish coalitions, and remind them that young people had a significant role in moving this country forward in the past and they can do that now,” English-Relf adds.
There will also be cultural celebrations, the annual wreath laying ceremony, which has been in place since John Lewis’ death. Guests will then convene on Alabama Capital Steps with a number of local organizations, including the ACLU of Alabama, Faith in Action, Alabama Arise, the Local Fair Housing Center.
“We will continue to fight back against these anti-democracy laws that deny communities of color an equal voice in government. We know that education is under attack, so we will fight against those, those types of things right, equal funding for education and equal investment in the infrastructure of the Deep South.”
Smollett and Bell finalized their divorce in 2021. Despite receiving a large settlement, Bell wants more. The musician is asking for half of the Lovecraft Country actress’ 401(k) and Screen Actors Guild pension. The couple married and divorced in California, where community property laws apply to couples who have been together for 10 years or more. Smollett and Bell’s divorce plan administrator has been instructed to transfer half of her retirement to Bell. It is unclear if the actress will appeal.
Smollett, a veteran actress who has worked in the industry since infancy, has been building her 401(k) and SAG pension since before the marriage. California law mandates an equal split of assets acquired during the marriage, but a portion of Smollett’s was accrued before. Smollett’s marriage began in 2010, meaning she had been building her assets for close to 30 years before the relationship. Documents obtained by The Neighborhood Talk reveal the child star currently pays Bell $7,000 in monthly child support and alimony. He also received $1 million as part of the divorce package.
Social media is up in arms over the turn of events. Fans are expressing disdain for Bell’s actions, noting the beloved actress has been working for decades. One X user went so far as to call Bell a “loser.”
Another user posted on X, using the situation to highlight the importance of a prenuptial agreement.
“Protect your assets with a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement. Without a prenup, family court judges in California follow community property guidelines,” the post read.
While Smollett’s personal life is complicated, her acting career is thriving. The veteran actress currently stars in We Grown Now, streaming on Netflix. The film is critically acclaimed and has earned three Spirit Award nominations and a Chicago International Film Festival Award for Best Picture.
Walmart Brings Health Advocates To BE’s Women Of Power Summit To Provide Health Screenings
The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit will be held March 5-9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
At this year’s Women of Power Summit, Walmart is partnering with the Black Heart Association (BHA), Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms to provide free health screenings, education, and critical resources. The collaborative effort aims to address some of the most pressing health disparities facing Black communities by making healthcare more accessible and empowering attendees with life-saving information.
Walmart’s Commitment to Community Health
Walmart offers free vision screenings and shares information about prescription delivery services. This initiative is designed to help attendees prioritize their health, remove barriers to essential care, and encourage proactive wellness habits.
Walmart isn’t working alone. To expand the impact of this event, the retail giant is teaming up with some of the nation’s leading health advocates.
Meet the Partners
Bexa: Revolutionizing Breast Health Screening
Bexa brings its innovative, non-invasive breast screening technology to the event. Unlike traditional mammograms, Bexa exams are radiation-free, painless, and provide immediate results. These features make it easier for women to prioritize breast health without fear or inconvenience.
Tiara Neal, Executive Director of the Bexa Equity Alliance, will be on-site to oversee the screenings. “We’re committed to breaking down barriers to breast health care,” Neal said. “Access to early detection can save lives, and that’s what we’re here to provide.”
Dr. Monique Gray, Bexa’s Chief Medical Officer and BEA Board Co-chair, explained the organization’s dedication to helping Black women find better ways to screen for breast cancer.
“Early detection is key for improving survival and helping all women lead the lives they desire. If we are truly committed to health equity, it must be accurate, accessible and, most importantly, adopted in under-resourced communities, suitable for those with dense breasts, and able to help women feel empowered along their preventive health journey. We listened to women, and they told us, ’It’s time for a better breast exam. It’s time for Bexa,”
Black Heart Association: Fighting Heart Health Disparities
The Black Heart Association, founded by Tara Robinson, a heart attack survivor, focuses on addressing heart health disparities in Black communities. The organization is hosting several free screenings at the event, including tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, A1C levels, kidney function, and Lipoprotein(a), a marker of cardiovascular risk.
Robinson emphasized the urgency of their mission. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Black communities, but it’s also preventable. By equipping people with education and tools to understand their risks, we can save lives,” she said.
The BHA’s mobile unit, part of its Vehicle for Change program, allows the organization to provide the most needed services at churches, schools, and community gatherings. The organization’s reach continues to grow, and in 2024, it plans to expand from Dallas to Houston.
4Kira4Moms: Advocating for Maternal Health
4Kira4Moms is addressing another critical issue — maternal health disparities. The organization, named in honor of Kira Johnson, a mother who died due to preventable complications after childbirth, is dedicated to improving outcomes for Black mothers.
Representatives from 4Kira4Moms will educate attendees about the stark realities of maternal mortality and advocate for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. Their work highlights the importance of viewing maternal health as a fundamental human rights issue.
Addressing the Disparities
Black communities face some of the most significant health disparities in the nation. Consider these statistics:
Heart disease rates are 33% higher for Black individuals compared to the overall U.S. population.
Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Many Black adults under 65 are uninsured or underinsured, limiting access to preventive care.
Even when insurance isn’t a barrier, bias and discrimination in healthcare settings discourage many people of color from seeking care. Events like this one aim to bridge the gap by creating safe, accessible spaces for health education and screenings.
Health Education at the Forefront
Education is a key component of this year’s Women of Power event. Each participating organization brings expertise to empower attendees with knowledge that can lead to healthier lives.
Walmart’s vision and pharmacy education services help participants take charge of their eye health and manage prescriptions efficiently. Meanwhile, BHA offers resources to help people understand their heart disease risk factors, emphasizing that 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with early intervention.
Bexa’s breast health screenings provide an alternative to traditional mammograms, while 4Kira4Moms sheds light on maternal health issues, equipping attendees with tools to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
Events like this demonstrate the power of partnerships in addressing systemic health challenges. Walmart’s resources, combined with the expertise of BHA, Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms, amplify the impact of these critical services.
“Our collective goal is to make health resources more accessible to those who need them most,” said a Walmart representative. “By working together, we’re not just addressing health disparities—we’re empowering people to live healthier lives.”
The event offers attendees more than screenings. It’s an opportunity to connect with experts, ask questions, and better understand how to prioritize their health.
About the Organizations
Walmart
Known for its dedication to communities, Walmart provides affordable healthcare services, ensuring people have access to essential resources close to home.
Black Heart Association
BHA is on a mission to eliminate heart health disparities in Black communities. Its innovative programs, such as Vehicle for Change and Black Heart University, focus on prevention and education to save lives.
Bexa
Bexa is transforming breast health with a painless, radiation-free screening tool that makes early detection more accessible and less intimidating.
4Kira4Moms
This maternal health advocacy group is fighting for systemic changes to improve outcomes for Black mothers, viewing maternal mortality as a human rights issue.
Looking Ahead
The Women of Power event highlights how community-focused initiatives can make a lasting impact. This collaboration addresses critical health disparities head-on by uniting Walmart, BHA, Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms, providing education and services that could save lives.
Visit these organizations’ websites or follow them on social media to learn more about their missions. Together, they’re paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
Call In The Cavalry! ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tickets Sales Lag, Insider Claims
Beyonce, we ain't got it.
Beyoncé announced her Cowboy Carter tour last month, but ticket sales are not moving as quickly as expected.
According to Ticketmaster and StubHub, tickets for all shows on the Cowboy Carter tour are still available. This is in stark contrast to her 2023 Renaissance Tour when tickets sold out within minutes in some locations.
Ticket sales are especially underwhelming in the UK, where the Megastar will perform six shows at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Times reported that Ticketmaster was prepared for heavy website traffic when tickets went on sale in the UK on Feb 14, The London Times reported. But the cyber stampede never came.
One industry insider claims that Beyoncé’s latest album didn’t wow her fans.
“Her fanbase did not like ‘Cowboy Carter’ —they were not impressed,” the insider told NewsNation. The insider also suggested that fans are still recovering from Renaissance ticket purchases.
“They just blew their wad seeing her two years ago…Bad economics right now,” the insider claimed.
The King Of Reads, a YouTuber, also blames the economy for the slower ticket sales. The social media star, whose real name is Justin James, says he believes people have less disposable income in this economy.
“The responses to the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ offer valuable insights into the current economic state, “ James wrote on X.
The responses to the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ offer valuable insights into the current economic state. When was that time you saw a fan mention a Beyoncé savings account?
What does it say when more of us now rely on Klarna, Afterpay, and credit cards for purchasing tickets? pic.twitter.com/Bm4wgeLJO8
Two years ago, Beyoncé made history on her Renaissance tour by grossing over $500 million in ticket sales.
Released in March of 2024, The Cowboy Carter album earned the megastar her first Album Of The Year Grammy Award. The country-fusion project also won Best Country Album, making the star the first Black artist to win. The song “II Most Wanted” won the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group performance.
The Cowboy Carter tour has 29 dates, including stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston. Tickets range from $76 to $4,000 plus service fees.
Sike! CDC Rescinds Termination Emails For 180 Employees, ‘You Should Return To Duty’
The CDC is asking about 180 recently terminated employees to return to work.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reversed 180 recent terminations and is now requesting the affected employees to return to work.
Current and former CDC employees disclosed that emails were sent on Tuesday, March 4, to probationary employees who had been laid off two weeks prior, The AP reported. With a subject line urging them to “Read this e-mail immediately,” the message informed staff that, “after further review and consideration,” their Feb. 15 termination notice had been rescinded, and they were cleared to return to work on Wednesday.
“You should return to duty under your previous work schedule,” the email stated. “We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused.”
Approximately 180 individuals received reinstatement emails, according to two federal health officials who were briefed on the matter but spoke anonymously. It remains unclear how many of those employees returned to work on Wednesday or whether they will be affected by the widespread job cuts expected across government agencies in the near future.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock welcomed the reinstatements but said they are not enough amid massive federal job cuts.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome relief, but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country’s public health and national security will continue to be at risk,” Warnock said Wednesday.
The Atlanta-based organization, responsible for protecting Americans from outbreaks and other public health threats, employed about 13,000 people before the cuts. Last month, the Trump administration informed the CDC that nearly 1,300 of its probationary employees would be laid off. However, the actual number of terminations turned out to be around 700 to 750. With 180 people now reinstated, the current number of CDC employees terminated appears to be roughly 550, though this figure has not been officially confirmed.
The CDC is the latest federal agency to reverse terminations made as part of cost-cutting measures under Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk. Other federal agencies that have reinstated terminated staff include those overseeing medical devices, food safety, bird flu response, nuclear weapons, and national parks.
Last week, Musk acknowledged that DOGE will make mistakes but emphasized the commitment to quickly address and correct them.
“I should say we’ll also make mistakes. We won’t be perfect. But when we make mistakes, we will fix it very quickly,” Musk said during a cabinet meeting.
“So, for example, with USAID, one of the things we accidentally canceled very, very briefly was Ebola, Ebola prevention. I think we all want Ebola prevention, so we restored the Ebola prevention, and there was no interruption.”
The leadership guidance website People Managing People released a 2025 report on which states have the best and worst workplace cultures. Analysts used a weighted composite score based on 24 metrics, including average salary, average number of paid holidays, and quit rate. Based on the findings, states with major cities dominate the top spots.
The top 10 states with the best workplace culture include the District of Columbia, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, California, Ohio, and Maryland. The 10 states with the lowest workplace culture ranking are Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The results found that midwestern and northeastern states are most likely to foster positive workplace cultures. The District of Columbia may not be a state, but the U.S. capital and federal district is where workers generally enjoy higher salaries, lower quit rates, and fewer hours worked. New York and Illinois came in second and third, thanks in part to their state policies that protect workers and promote higher wages.
On the other hand, the worst states for workplace culture were found in the western and southern regions, with mountain states like Wyoming and Montana particularly underperforming among workers. These two states had some of the highest quit rates, at 3.7% and 3%, and Idaho had the lowest employee satisfaction. Analysts suggest that mountain states likely scored lower due to fewer wellness and employee assistance programs, limited paid leave, and longer work hours.
From a political perspective, states with stronger workplace cultures tend to be more liberal-leaning blue states, while those with the weakest workplace cultures are predominantly conservative-leaning red states. The findings are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, KFF, Statista, and Oxfam from 2021 to 2024.
