Top 5 Live –WURD Friday February 27
1. FCC passes net neutrality rules
After more than a year of heated public debate, the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday passed “net neutrality” rules:
They allow the agency to prohibit Internet service providers from granting faster access to companies that pay for the privilege.
The new rules treat broadband providers as “common carriers” under Title II of the Telecommunications Act – the same category as utility companies that provide gas, electricity, etc. – in which all customers have equal access to service.
2. ISIS militant ‘Jihadi John’ identified, U.S. officials say
(CNN)A man with a British accent seen in ISIS videos showing the beheadings of Western hostages was identified Thursday as Mohammed Emwazi, a Kuwaiti-born Londoner, according to two U.S. officials and two U.S. congressional sources briefed on the matter.
The Washington Post and Reuters, citing the newspaper, earlier reported that Emwazi is “Jihadi John,” citing one of Emwazi’s close friends.
3. Lupita Nyong’o’s $150,000 pearl Oscars dress stolen
The $150,000 pearl-studded gown worn by actress Lupita Nyong’o toSunday’s Academy Awards was stolen Wednesday from her hotel room in West Hollywood, California.
Detectives on Thursday were investigating the theft at the London, a luxury hotel just off Sunset Boulevard, said Lt. William Nash of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. The theft was first reported by TMZ.
Nyong’o made an immediate fashion splash when she hit the Oscars red carpet in the plunging custom Calvin Klein gown encrusted with 6,000 white Akoya pearls. Fortune estimated the value of the pearls alone at $150,000.
4. Racial graffiti discovered at Radnor High
Radnor High School held a student assembly Thursday to address an incident involving racial graffiti discovered in a bathroom, the principal said in an e-mail to parents.
Mark Schellenger wrote that school officials were investigating the incident. The graffiti was discovered Wednesday, photographed, and removed. The school said it would reach out to the NAACP and Anti-Defamation League for input.
“Radnor High School and the district as a whole condemn any and all messages that promote hate and intolerance,” Schellenger wrote. “I will reiterate that messages or behavior of this sort are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Michael Pettitti, district spokesman, said the school had no comment beyond the letter.
5. Pendergrass daughters appeal October will ruling
The battle over Teddy Pendergrass’s estate took another turn as his two daughters stepped in to challenge a will submitted by Pendergrass’ second wife.
Though Pendergrass left behind little money when he died, future returns are at stake.
Since winning a court ruling in October, his widow, Joan Pendergrass, has started making plans for a movie, a musical, and a museum exhibit about her late husband.
The October ruling found that Pendergrass’ son, “Ted” Pendergrass II, had submitted a fraudulent will to gain control of his father’s estate. That will as thrown out, leaving only a will submitted by Joan Pendergrass.
Click here to read these stories on 900amWURD.
Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author and award-winning columnist. He is the creator and editor of Solomonjones.com and morning host on 900 am WURD radio. Click here to learn more about Solomon
