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Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier from Fort Worth made headlines on Monday after staging an overnight protest on the Texas House floor, responding to a GOP demand that she be placed under watch by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows targeted Collier and several other Texas House Democrats after they returned to the Capitol in Austin on Monday. The lawmakers fled the state earlier this month to break quorum and block a vote on a GOP-led redistricting plan that could help Republicans maintain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, CNN and Blavity reported.

More than 50 Democrats fled to blue states like Illinois, New York and Massachusetts. They faced civil arrest warrants backed by the GOP to ensure they would return to meet quorum and attend a special session to approve the redrawn congressional maps for state districts, per CNN.

Burrows gave Democrats limited options: They could only leave the Texas House floor with written permission or be escorted by state troopers and monitored around the clock until the chamber reconvened Wednesday morning.

What did Collier say about a DPS escort?

Republican Rep. Charlie Geren, who also represents Fort Worth and chairs the House Administration Committee, met with Collier after her return. When she refused to sign the required form, it prompted the DPS escort. Geren said she could stay on the House floor or in her office but was not permitted to leave the Capitol grounds without law enforcement, according to KERA News.

On Monday night, Collier was the only lawmaker who remained behind after the day’s business concluded. She criticized the DPS for focusing on political enforcement rather than addressing critical public safety issues.

“I don’t know how long I will be here,” she wrote in a statement to the Fort Worth Report. “Instead of DPS officers looking for pedophiles, they have been assigned to follow Democratic state representatives around only to ensure their return to the Capitol on Wednesday (when the House reconvenes). I sure hope the public feels safe without those officers on beat.”

Republicans called out Texas House Democrats

Several Democrats had checked on Collier throughout the night, took photographs of her, and sent them to local news outlets who were not permitted to enter the chamber. Fellow Tarrant Democratic Rep. Ramon Romero of Fort Worth spoke on the Democrats’ attempt to “slow” the process, but it would be something they could not halt.

“We knew that this was something we were not going to be able to stop,” Romero said. “We could slow it down, though, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton went as far as calling for the Democrats to be ousted from office after going against their constitutional duties.

“The rogue Democrat legislators who fled the state have abandoned their duties, leaving their seats vacant,” Paxton said in an Aug. 8 statement. “These cowards deliberately sabotaged the constitutional process and violated the oath they swore to uphold.”

Blavity reported that the GOP’s proposed congressional map would eliminate Democratic constituencies in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio and shift incumbent Democrats into Republican-leaning districts.

A lawsuit brought by an NFL coach accusing the league of discriminating against Black coaches can proceed after a federal appeals court cleared the way for the case to continue. The court ruled against what has been deemed an unfair NFL arbitration process, leaving the league open to accusations that it has acted unfairly toward Black coaches.

Discrimination suit against the NFL, teams can move forward

On Thursday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld an earlier ruling by Judge Valerie Caproni that allows a lawsuit by Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores to proceed. Flores has sued the NFL and three of its teams — the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and New York Giants — for racial discrimination. In her 2023 ruling, Judge Caproni acknowledged racial disparities in the NFL, noting, “Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black.” The NFL attempted to require that the dispute with Flores be settled through arbitration, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell serving as the arbitrator. The appeals court ruled that the process proposed by the NFL, with Goodell in charge, did not meet proper standards of fairness and independence.

NFL is accused of not following through on its own policies

Flores filed his lawsuit in 2022, after he had been fired from his job coaching the Miami Dolphins despite the team having a winning season. Flores interviewed for head coaching positions with other teams, but alleged that the teams conducted these interviews with no intention of actually considering him for the jobs. He revealed that a text exchange with then-New England coach Bill Belichick accidentally revealed that the New York Giants had already decided on another coach before Flores’ scheduled interview with the team. This appeared to violate the Rooney Rule, an NFL rule that requires teams to interview at least two outside minority candidates for open head coach, general manager, and coordinator positions. Two other Black coaches, Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, later joined Flores’ lawsuit.

NFL’s history of underrepresentation and possible retaliation

The NFL has had a complicated history when it comes to Black players and coaches. Statistics show that, since 2000, less than 20% of new coaches hired into the league have been Black, while over 40% of head coaches fired after only one full season on the job are Black. Despite the majority of NFL players being Black, less than a quarter of its teams are led by Black head coaches. The league has improved Black representation in the position of quarterback, with a record 15 Black quarterbacks starting at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season. Yet, Black players have come under scrutiny and possible retaliation for protesting racism. When a group of players led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against Black people, the demonstrations drew condemnation from figures including President Donald Trump, and the NFL has been accused of blacklisting Kaepernick, who has not played in an NFL game since 2016.

Flores has expressed concern that his decision to take legal action against the NFL for racial discrimination may hurt his career. So far, the risk appears to be paying off, as his suit now moves forward, putting the NFL in the hot seat over its hiring practices when it comes to Black coaches.

MSNBC will soon have a new name. The news network announced Monday that it will soon operate under a new label: MS NOW. The change is part of a larger series of shakeups at MSNBC after NBCUniversal spun off MSNBC and other cable assets into a new company now known as Versant. Due to that, it looks like Versant wanted to de-NBC MSNBC.

MSNBC changing name to MS NOW

“Later this year, MSNBC will take on a new name: My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW),” begins a statement posted Monday on the MSNBC website announcing the company’s rebranding. The statement explains that the change comes as MSNBC and other companies, such as CNBC and several sports networks, will move under the umbrella of a newly created VERSANT media company. The change separates MSNBC from NBCUniversal and the NBC News network, and the name change reflects the separation. The statement assures viewers, however, that MS NOW will continue the same quality of news coverage that it conducted under its old brand.

Latest in a series of changes this year

The name change comes amid a period of significant corporate shakeup at the company and its sister and parent networks. Blavity reported earlier in 2025 that Rashida Jones, who became the first Black woman to lead a major news network when she took the top MSNBC spot in 2021, decided to step down this year in the midst of the corporate restructuring. After Jones’ departure, the network also shook up its on-air talent, canceling Joy Reid’s show and shifting around other journalists such as Rachel Maddow. Now, MS NOW will be part of the new Versant company, along with other cable networks such as SyFy and E!.

Skepticism over new name

The renaming ends nearly 30 years of the MSNBC brand, which was first created in 1996 as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC. Even with the corporate reasons behind the name change, not everyone appears to be on board. Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann tweeted “They can change it to LES MS for all it matters they still screwed up what I built for them.”

They can change it to LES MS for all it matters they still screwed up what I built for them 🤦🏼‍♂️— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) August 18, 2025

Another tweet compared it to the now reversed HBO Max name change: “His mama named him MSNBC, so I’mma call him MSNBC. They learned nothing from the HBO name change.”

Now that the organization currently known as MSNBC will soon be part of a new company, a rebranding is necessary. Whether or not viewers will accept the new name, and whatever other changes that may come along with it, remains to be seen.

Target’s foot traffic dropped for the sixth consecutive month in July after the retail chain scaled back on its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in January, a move in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, which affected public and private sectors.

Retail Brew reported that in July, foot traffic at Target fell 3.8%, and the year-over-year decline continued for 25 of the last 27 weeks.

What is the real problem with Target’s decline?

While many believe the department store’s decision to scale back its DEI policies is the issue, some analysts point to a decline in core product offerings as the root of the problem.

From empty cart corrals to bare shelves and spoiled food items, experts say such problems are driving customers to shop elsewhere. The same issues are also affecting Target’s staff and their perception of the retailer.

Target’s performance is a factor, CEO says

On Aug. 10, The Wall Street Journal reported that 40% of Target’s 260,000 employees completed an internal company survey, stating they were unsure about the company’s future, which is a decline from a year ago.

“While we recognize the hard work and progress underway, we’re not where we want to be,” Target CEO Brian Cornell told the outlet Saturday.

Target has faced challenges this year, including DEI backlash and a significant decline in overall performance. Grassroots organizations and Atlanta minister Jamal Bryant have led successful nationwide boycotts against the retailer since February. However, in July, he condemned the National Baptist Convention Board for taking a $300,000 donation from the company.

‘If you’re not standing in truth, you’re just standing in the way’

Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, called out the convention board members’ partnership with Target to win back Black customers.

“The Baptist Convention might have it twisted. The only way we’re going to win this is together. Sit down. Listen. Unite. If you’re not standing in truth, you’re just standing in the way. ‘Something’s Gotta Break’ is streaming now on all platforms,” Bryant said in a clip shared on the church’s Instagram page.

Journalist Roland Martin also called out the National Baptist Convention Board for accepting those funds from Target: “$17 BILLION in profit. $2 BILLION promised to Black businesses. Target’s offer to Black church leaders? $300,000 — split 3 ways. That breaks down to $322 per church,” he said in a series of tweets, per Blavity.

The White House has directed the Smithsonian Institution to share its exhibition materials, collections and organizational details in order to see if they align with Trump’s vision of America. A letter, which was signed by several White House officials and sent on Tuesday, includes a list of concerned museums and requested deadlines.

The letter indicates the need for museums to comply with Trump’s Executive Order signed on March 27 titled, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”

A review of the Smithsonian Institution ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary

“We will be leading a comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions,” the letter reads. “This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

The letter requests access regarding specific materials including programming of the 250th Anniversary, current and upcoming exhibitions, permanent collection, educational and digital materials, external partnerships and grants, internal guidelines and governance and more.

The White House will review exhibits and more, as well as conduct interviews

“We view this process as a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity—one that empowers museum staff to embrace a revitalized curatorial vision rooted in the strength, breadth, and achievements of the American story,” the letter adds. “By focusing on Americanism—the people, principles, and progress that define our nation—we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution.”

As of now, the letter lists these requests to the following museums: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

“Additional museums will be reviewed in Phase II,” the letter added. The Smithsonian Institution includes 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, as well as the National Zoo.

How is the Smithsonian Institute addressing the news?

The institute has issued a statement responding to the White House’s request.

“We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents,” it indicated, according to NBC News.

The institute added that it “is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history.”

In May, it was reported that 32 artifacts at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture had been removed from display. Some of these items include Harriet Tubman’s book of hymns and the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass memoir.

An autopsy report in Baldwin County, Alabama, has confirmed that a family of four died from a murder-suicide. Investigators believe 44-year-old Kenny Smith shot and killed himself after murdering his 41-year-old wife, Larrica Gaines Smith, and their two children, 15-year-old Kristian and 11-year-old Kensley.

What happened when officers responded to the Alabama home where a family of four was found dead?

The family was found dead inside their home in Daphne, Alabama, on Thursday. Police said they found the bodies after responding to the home for a welfare check early in the morning. According to police, officers forced their way into the home because nobody answered when they arrived at the scene. Along with the bodies, police said they found a handgun inside the home.

On Thursday in Daphne, Alabama, 41-year-old Larrica Gaines Smith, along with her children, 15-year-old Khristian Smith and 11-year-old Kinsley Smith, were found dead in what investigators have identified as a murder-suicide. https://t.co/6MhhMFxkHv pic.twitter.com/zkx1nmaQGe— Newtown Action Alliance (@NewtownAction) August 17, 2025

“Inside the residence, the children’s phones were ringing. So, you know, that’s their friends trying to figure out what’s going on,” Baldwin County Sheriff Anthony Lowery said, per WKRG.

Following the autopsy report, investigators are now looking through the family’s phones and computers to find any information about what led to the tragedy, WKRG reported.

The community in Daphne, Alabama, is expressing deep grief after the tragedy of the Smith family, which lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. Members of City Hope Church in Daphne are among the neighbors who are devastated by the tragedy.

“This has shaken us deeply, affecting countless people within our church and our community,” the church wrote in a statement, per WKRG. “At this time, details are limited, but we know this news is painful and unsettling for so many.”

The community is also sharing many kind words about the family.

“That family was the salt of the earth,” one of the neighbors, Matt Russell, told WKRG. “A fun-loving family. It is just a very, very tragic feeling. To say I’m in shock, yes, I’m still in shock.”

Singer-rapper Sean Kingston was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of taking part in a $1 million wire fraud scheme in South Florida.

Kingston, born Kisean Paul Anderson, 35, and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, were each found guilty by a federal jury in March of defrauding several businesses. Prosecutors said the two used fake wire transfer receipts to obtain luxury goods they never paid for. The pair was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud, according to Blavity and NBC News South Florida.

What did Sean Kingston say at sentencing?

On July 11, Judge David Leibowitz sentenced both Kingston and Turner to five years in prison, but Kingston’s hearing was rescheduled to Friday, per NBC News. During the sentencing, Kingston appeared remorseful and addressed the court directly.

“I apologize, I apologize, I’ve learned from my actions,” he said. “All I’m asking for is to accept my apology to the court.”

Kingston’s attorney requested that he be allowed to self-surrender at a later date due to health concerns. However, Judge Leibowitz denied the request and ordered Kingston into immediate custody. He was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom.

What are both sides saying about the outcome?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton described Kingston as someone who exploited his fame to live beyond his means and mislead others.

“He clearly doesn’t like to pay and relies on his celebrity status to defraud his victims,” Anton said Friday, according to the Associated Press.

Defense attorney Zeljka Bozanic argued that Kingston lacked proper financial guidance after rising to fame as a teenager. She said he had relied heavily on business managers and his mother to handle his finances.

“No one showed him how to invest his money,” Bozanic said. “Money went in and money went out on superficial things.”

Prosecutors said Kingston and Turner had been carrying out the fraud scheme for years. They defrauded a jewelry store, a luxury bed company, a used exotic car dealership, and a microLED TV provider, according to Blavity. Kingston allegedly persuaded vendors to release the high-end items before making payments, using fake wire transfers as proof. The businesses later discovered the funds never cleared.

Patricia White, an iconic trailblazer in New York‘s Black theater scene, has died at age 77. White, who was recently hospitalized, died from an illness, Deadline reported. The legendary performer died at the University Rehab Facility in the Bronx, New York, where she was getting physical therapy after being released from the hospital.

“In her theatre career, Pat was a pillar of support to theater organizations and artists and a fierce champion for authentic representation and storytelling,” according to an obituary by Jonathan Slaff that was received by Blavity. “Her decades-long dedication helped build a more inclusive, vibrant theatrical world—one that will continue to reflect her love, vision, and tireless spirit.”

What were some of Patricia White’s most notable accolades?

White, who was widely known as Pat, showed off her talents in many different facets. Throughout her legendary career, the Brooklyn native served as a director, producer, backstage coordinator, grant writer, box office manager and administrator. She also served as a mentor for many other aspiring performers.

White landed one of her most notable roles in 1994 when her mentor, Woodie King Jr., hired her as company manager of New Federal Theatre. That’s when White managed the 20th anniversary production of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.

Some of the other notable projects White directed include Marvin Schidkarut’s Root of Aggression, Fallen Angel and a reading of Cesi Davidson’s Eric and Theresa Deconstructed.

White is also well-remembered for ushering for the Pulitzer Prize-winning production No Place to Be Somebody by Charles Gordone while working at the Public Theatre. For 13 years, White worked on and off as a project coordinator for the Frank Silvera Writer Workshop. This opportunity allowed White to collaborate with iconic talents such as Amiri Baraka, Kimako Baraka, Amina Baraka, A. Marcus Hemphill and Richard Wesley, per Deadline.

How did Patricia White start her theater career?

White launched her career at age 17 when she worked as an intern at The American Place Theatre. That’s where she worked with producers Wynn Handman and Julia Miles. The internship also gave White a chance to learn from historic Black playwrights such as Ed Bullins, Phillip Hayes Dean, Charlie Russell, Barbara Ann Teer and others.