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It’s Women’s History Month, and we’re showing love to the powerhouse sisters who deserve their fair share of shine. Listen in as hosts Jahliel Thurman and Ahmeer Holt discuss who they think are the top three Black unsung female heroes in Black culture.
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A lawsuit between the family of young Adrian Jones and the state of Kansas is finally being settled after years of pending litigation.
The suit alleged the state’s child service agency neglected to investigate his living conditions ahead of his murder.
Here’s the sad story: Adrian’s remains were found in a pigsty in November 2015. At the time, the 7-year-old lived with his father and stepmother, Michael and Heather Jones, in Kansas City, according to an Associated Press report. In a lawsuit filed by Adrian’s biological mother, grandmother and sister, they claim they made multiple reports to Kansas Department of Children and Families requesting social workers remove the boy from the home.
More than 2,000 pages of records related to the case showed the three relocated often between Kansas and Missouri, making it “difficult” for social workers to keep up with them, the report says. Missouri records showed Adrian’s family contacted both the police and social workers about the well-being of the boy after several visits, but to no avail.
The report says the agency’s last physical contact with Adrian was four years before he was killed.
Prosecutors revealed during the couple’s trial that the calls reported Adrian suffering repeated abuse and torture, including being forced to sleep outside, shocked with a stung gun and ultimately starved to death. Most of the boy’s health decline was recorded on surveillance.
The suit alleges that the most social workers did to address the concerns was to make the Joneses sign a paper agreeing to stop tormenting the child.
“As it turned out, that signed paper might as well have been A.J.’s death warrant,” the suit reads.
The suit insisted Adrian’s death was completely avoidable — if only the people entitled to help him performed a proper investigation. The Joneses were sent to prison for murder, and on Wednesday, the State of Kansas was ordered to pay Adrian’s family a big bag.
Read more from The Associated Press:
Gov. Laura Kelly and top leaders of the Kansas Legislature approved the settlement during a brief public meeting Tuesday after conferring with state Attorney General Kris Kobach’s top deputy in private for 30 minutes.
Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Kansas City-area Democrat and one of the lawmakers who approved the settlement, said Wednesday that she believes the state faced “a lot of liability” legally for what happened.
But Kelly told reporters Wednesday at the Statehouse that the issue wasn’t the potential damages in a lawsuit but the litigation distracting it from “the mission at hand” of improving the child welfare system.
“It really had to do with wanting to get that settled and not spend time litigating in courts for what could be definitely months, maybe even years,” she said.
The approval of the settlement explains that the state department will pay half of the settlement and a special state fund dealing with damages will cover the other half.
The state only approved $1 million out of the $25 million Adrian’s family sought in punitive damages.
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St. Bonaventure athletic director Joe Manhertz resigned abruptly, the university announced Saturday, in the midst of questions regarding the men’s basketball program opting out from competing in the NIT without initially informing its players and fans.
St. Bonaventure provided no details behind Manhertz’s departure after two-plus years on the job, except to say school president Jeff Gingerich accepted his letter of resignation on Friday night.
“I want to thank Joe for the contributions he’s made to the athletics department the last three years,” Gingerich said in a statement. “Joe made a number of excellent coaching hires and was instrumental in helping to launch the athletics pillar of our Bolder Bonaventure fundraising campaign. We wish him the very best in his career.”
The school has already scrubbed most references to Manhertz and his bio from its web pages.
Manhertz took over at the Atlantic 10 school — located a 90-minute drive south of Buffalo, New York — in August 2021. He previously served as an associate athletic director at Duke, where he was primarily involved in fundraising for upgrades to the school’s various facilities. Getting hired by St. Bonaventure was a homecoming of sorts for Manhertz, who is from the Rochester, New York, area.
Manhertz became the target of questions over the men’s basketball team opting out of NIT consideration after the Bonnies dropped a 70-60 decision to Duquesne in the A10 tournament semifinals last weekend.
After ESPN reported on Tuesday that St. Bonaventure (20-13) turned down an NIT bid, Manhertz issued a statement a day later saying the Bonnies opted out from postseason tournament consideration, while acknowledging that information wasn’t communicated to players or to the public.
Manhertz cited travel logistics, injuries and the uncertainty of players potentially entering the transfer portal, as reasons for informing the NIT selection committee Sunday of the school’s decision to not be considered. He said the decision was reached by athletic department administration and the coaching staff, and made “in the best interest of our student athletes.”
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Hoop earrings have been an accessory staple for centuries. Archeologists have found early versions worn by Sumerian women and girls around 2500 BCE. Whether you dress them up or down, hoops are a classic way to pull your look together.
But don’t be fooled. Hoops come in a variety of sizes, colors, and yes, even shapes. So, if you’re looking to level up your accessories game, check out these creative and cute hoop earrings we love.
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Fans witnessed an electrifying encounter between Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley and formidable opponents Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler at the WWE live event on March 23rd, 2024, in a full venue. However, it wasn’t just the furious in-ring action that drew the attention of viewers worldwide; it was Ripley’s unexpected move that sent social media into overdrive.
During the match, Rhea Ripley, known for her unconventional and forceful wrestling style, performed a maneuver that astonished and amused onlookers. In a tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Ripley administered a “stink face” to Nia Jax, a maneuver in which one presses one’s rear into the face of an opponent. The surprising maneuver elicited wild reactions from the audience, leaving Nia Jax somewhat disoriented.
@rhearipley_wwe Payback’s a peach. You’re welcome Nia! 😈 #WWESpringfield
However, it was the aftermath of the stink face that shook social media platforms. Within minutes of the incident, videos of Ripley’s daring move began spreading online, quickly gaining steam and garnering millions of views across multiple accounts. The hashtag #RheaRipley trended on Twitter, with people expressing surprise, laughter, and appreciation for Ripley’s bold decision.
Notably, the names “Rhea Ripley” and “Nia Jax” dominated Twitter/X discussions, creating debate among wrestling fans regarding the relevance of Ripley’s tribute to Rikishi and the impact of such events on the sport.
Bruh Rhea Ripley just sent X into a frenzy pic.twitter.com/nriyM2OVkj
— Mikey D Baby and the D is for Diabetic (@VaqueroNegro7) March 24, 2024
Rhea Ripley!!!❤️😘❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/4K8hkxy0dn
— Hot Female Wrestlers (@HotFemaleWrest) March 24, 2024
A lot of y’all after watching that Rhea Ripley stink face video for the 50th time: pic.twitter.com/qx1tMPbfg4
— That’s Freakin’ Wrestling Podcast (@ThatsFNW) March 24, 2024
Ripley’s ability to incorporate WWE history into her performances bolstered her reputation as a dynamic and exciting fighter. Her bravery in the ring, combined with her ability to capture audiences both in person and online, solidifies her place as one of the most intriguing individuals in professional wrestling.
As the footage of Ripley’s stink face circulates, it serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that WWE events are known for, leaving fans excited to see what surprises the next match will bring.
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ATLANTA (AP) — Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said Saturday that the election interference prosecution against Donald Trump hasn’t been delayed by proceedings over her romantic relationship with a special prosecutor she hired for the case.
“I don’t feel like we have been slowed down at all,” Willis told CNN in an interview. “I think there are efforts to slow down the train, but the train is coming.”
Her latest comments come as defense attorneys continue to press claims about her handling of a sprawling prosecution against the former president and current GOP presumptive nominee. Trump faces four felony indictments — including separate federal and state cases for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to President Joe Biden — but has fought to delay and dismiss the cases, arguing that political opponents are wrongly targeting him.
Willis spoke days after a Georgia judge allowed attorneys for Trump’s codefendants to appeal his ruling that she could stay on the case after the withdrawal of the special prosecutor, Nathan Wade. That may allow defense attorneys to amplify allegations of impropriety between Wade and Willis.
Defense attorneys have alleged Willis hired Wade to profit from the Trump prosecution through their romantic relationship. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove those claims but rebuked Willis for what he called a “tremendous lapse in judgment.”
Willis told CNN that she didn’t think her reputation needed to be reclaimed and that she hadn’t done anything embarrassing.
“I’m not embarrassed by anything I’ve done,” Willis said. “I guess my greatest crime is that I had a relationship with a man, but that’s not something I find embarrassing in any way.”
Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University law professor who’s been following the case, criticized her comments in a post on X.
“If I were Fani Willis, I would simply not talk to the media at all at this point just out of an abundance of caution,” Kreis said.
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Updated as of Friday, March 22 at 1:35p.m. PT: Ray J has issued an apology to Monica after his comments about a proposed joint tour with her and his sister.
“Monica if I said anything wrong, I apologize,” he said on the “Way Up With Angela Yee” podcast. “You are a great artist, you and Brandy have made history together and all I want to do is just kind of like shake it up a little bit to get y’all to see that, this should be one of those like last wave tours. Like let’s do this for like the next three years. Let’s hit every globe and into Mars and like other places, right? That takes imagination. Give the world what they want.”
See original story below.
Singer Monica is not too happy with Ray J suggesting that she and his sister Brandy go on a joint tour together.
Ray J made the comments on his most recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club” where he suggested that if the two should go on tour, Monica would have to open up for Brandy. Once Monica got wind of it, she took to social media to ask Ray to stop drumming up fan excitement over a hypothetical tour that hasn’t been solidified or contracted.
“I’ve been repeatedly contacted about interviews ect [sic] where my name and tour possibilities are being discussed!,” Monica wrote in a since-deleted post on her Instagram Story. “I’ve not received any contracts or calls about said tour. @rayj I’m kindly asking you to stop speaking on me in public! A private conversation would both be necessary and respectful! Brandy is a legend! She’s one with an extensive back catalog that I deeply respect & a voice sent from heaven.”
She continued:
“The conversation being had without she and I is beginning to muddy the waters severely! She and I are both consummate professionals that share a massive recording as well as an entire era! Please allow this to remain positive and beautiful! Neither should open, we should give someone else that opportunity and co-headline a massive shared stage if this is to ever happen. Any further convo should be private!”
In a later post, Monica added: “I get it, I will forever be the ‘bad guy’ in this situation and no one will EVER pay attention or read/ listen to understand!!! I have no issues with anyone but it’s not real unless there’s a deal!!!”
She continued, “There’s no 100. No contract. Media outlets calling for comments about an imaginary tour & this unfairly spikes the excitement of our supporters and the insinuation that the hold up of said (imaginary) deal taking place is, ME!”
Lastly, Monica added, “The Breakfast Club interview is the first I’ve acknowledged of the antics! We both deserve the respect of real business being done.”
And there you have it.
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Domonique Brown, a teacher at Taylor Preparatory High School in Detroit, sparked outrage after being fired for her involvement in the rap industry. Brown, also known by her stage name ‘Drippin’ Honey, claims she was fired last month because she refused to alter rap-related material despite school administrators’ requests.
The drama began when a parent of one of Brown’s kids discovered one of her music videos online and anonymously complained to school officials about its contents. According to WXYZ-Detroit, this complaint prompted a meeting with Brown, the school dean, and the principal, during which Brown was informed of the parent’s concerns.
Brown alleges she requested written documentation describing the difficulties the school had with her content but did not receive it. Despite being given an ultimatum to remove her rap-related material at a later meeting, Brown refused to give up her artistic expression.
Brown bemoaned her firing on Instagram, citing a single parent’s rejection of her rap profession. She expressed frustration with what she regards as a disregard for her dedication and desire for education, which she says were unaffected by her extracurricular activities.
Despite being named Teacher of the Month by her pupils in November, Brown anticipated her dismissal, realizing the unavoidability of losing her job due to the ongoing argument. Rather than accept failure, Brown chose to transform the situation into an opportunity for empowerment.
Brown created a new rap video titled ‘DRIPPIN 101’ in defiance and unity with her former students, starring several of those she had taught. This daring gesture is both an artistic expression and a protest against what Brown sees as unjust treatment.
The former teacher’s social media statement, which accompanied the new video, criticized the decision to terminate her employment, claiming that her qualifications and commitment to teaching kids should have been the key considerations. She also reported that she had received significant support from parents and pupils, with over 200 signatures seeking her reinstatement.
Brown has met with legal counsel in response to her dismissal, indicating her desire to pursue justice and contest the school administration’s decision. Brown’s faith in the potential of self-empowerment and resilience in the face of tragedy stays unwavering as she navigates this difficult chapter.
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Kellie Harper always knew she wanted to coach college basketball, but never thought it would be at her alma mater Tennessee.
That’s because she thought Pat Summitt would be there forever.
“For us, she’s this (human) being that is always going to be there,” Harper said. “You never thought that anyone else would coach at Tennessee. You just didn’t feel like that was an option. So it really wasn’t anything that crossed my mind as a realistic goal when I was a player.”
Harper is one of a handful of coaches attending the NCAA Tournament this year who are coaching at the school where they played. There was a matchup of two of them in the first round Saturday with Adia Barnes and Arizona facing Felisha Legette-Jack and Syracuse.
“I’m just excited about being back here with my alma mater in the postseason,” Legette-Jack said. “This is something that when we first got to Syracuse, Jake Crouthamel, the AD at the time who helped create the Big East, this is what he said we were all about. We were about postseason. Everybody from the janitor to the secretary to the president, the chancellor of the university understood that assignment.”
Legette-Jack had to rebuild a program that lost most of its players to the transfer portal right before she came in 2022.
Niele Ivey had her own rebuilding project at Notre Dame where she took over for her mentor and friend Muffet McGraw in 2020. Ivey helped the team win its first NCAA championship as a player in 2001 and then was an assistant on the 2018 team that also won a title. Now she’s the one in charge.
“This is a dream,” she said. “I didn’t realize that coaching was going to be my next step after playing professionally, so when I got into coaching, I never would imagine my first head coaching job would be here at my alma mater, so I’m blessed.”
There were also the expectations surrounding a program with so much success. She’s flourished so far, winning an ACC regular-season and tournament crown in her first four years as head coach.
She took over when the coronavirus was still running rampant back in 2020.
“For sure taking over in COVID and the pandemic was really challenging and so that was an adjustment for me,” she said. “My press conference was via Zoom so not the traditional first-year head coach and then the year after, it was NIL and the transfer portal, so I came in the climate of athletics was changing the year that I had this opportunity, so I’ve adjusted to it.”
Ivey wasn’t the only one to get a first shot at head coaching at her alma mater. Megan Griffith took over a struggling Columbia program that had never made the NCAAs and only had three winning seasons before her arrival as a coach.
The past few years she guided the team to three straight 20-win seasons, a share of the school’s first Ivy League regular-season titles, a runner-up spot in the WNIT and an inaugural trip to the NCAA Tournament.
A big change from when she played and the team only won 38 games total in her four years.
While most of the coaches who are back at their old schools starred when the played, Amy Williams had a different experience at Nebraska. She said she definitely never envisioned being the coach when she was a player.
“I walked on the basketball team at Nebraska, and eventually after a couple of years earned a scholarship and was just so honored to be a part of it and now to be back actually leading the program,” she said. “I think sometimes when you’re in that role where, I don’t know, I joke all the time about being in the 30-30 club, where if we were up 30 or down 30, I was going to get 30 seconds of playing time.”
Williams said it actually may have helped her be a better coach.
“Sometimes when that’s what your role is, you learn a lot from being over on that sideline, and you look at and think the game in a different manner,” she said. “My dad was a high school coach my whole life growing up. I think I always craved watching film, breaking down film. I think I’ve had that coaching in my blood for a long time.”
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A 39-year-old teacher, Stacy Michelle Walker, has been arrested by the San Diego Police Department Sex Crimes Unit for allegedly sexually assaulting a student. The assault occurred between 2017 and 2019, spanning a significant period.
Initially, Walker engaged the 15-year-old victim in conversations that gradually turned sexual. This eventually led to the exchange of explicit photographs, videos, and text messages between the victim and the suspect.
Additionally, Walker met with the victim on multiple occasions and engaged in various sexual acts. Shockingly, these assaults continued even after the victim turned 18 years old.
The victim reported the assault to the San Diego Police Department on July 31, 2023, prompting an immediate investigation by the SDPD Sex Crimes Unit. On March 20, Walker was apprehended by SDPD detectives and subsequently booked into Las Colinas County Jail.
The arraignment for this case is scheduled for Friday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 101 of the San Diego Superior Court downtown.
Individuals who possess any information related to this incident or believe they may have experienced a similar assault are urged to contact the SDPD Sex Crimes Unit at (619) 531-2210 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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