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The Four Minute Offense: Jalen Hurts Triumphantly Bounces Back

This is the first installment of the Four Minute Offense, the moment where the team possessing the ball must run the ball, call high-percentage pass plays, and the war daddies (also known as the offensive linemen), can get off the ball and turn up. Four talking points will be served up ahead of next week’s […]

Published

5 months ago

October 21, 2025

Oakland Post

Number one: The rumors of Jalen Hurts’s demise are greatly exaggerated.

After last week’s disastrous outing against the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faced a wave of criticism and harsh commentary. However, his stellar performance on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings should silence any remaining doubters. Hurts delivered an exceptional game, completing 19 of 23 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 28-22 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium — without throwing a single interception.

What makes this feat even more impressive is that Hurts dominated the NFL’s second-ranked pass defense. He became the first quarterback this season to record a perfect passer rating of 158.3. With this game, Hurts now boasts 44 career performances with a passer rating above 100. Only a handful of elite quarterbacks have achieved more within their first six seasons — Patrick Mahomes (57), Russell Wilson (52), Dak Prescott (45), and Josh Allen (44).

Howard Eskin’s calls for backup QB Tanner McKee to start ahead of Hurts must be quashed. Immediately.

Number two: Joe Flacco was not the problem in Cleveland.

In ten days, Flacco was traded away from the Browns to the Cincinnati Bengals, started against the Packers and four days later, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. However, this is where things get interesting.

Flacco admitted he was consulted about the move by Browns general manager Andrew Berry before the trade. On the surface, it was weird a starting quarterback would be traded within the same state and within the same division. However, Flacco is a man. He is 40. He was owed that right as an accomplished veteran and an OG in the league.

Number three: Patience will be a virtue in Tennessee.

The dismissal of head coach Brian Callahan after just 23 games underscores a growing theme within the Tennessee Titans organization — the impatience of owner Amy Adams Strunk. Frustrated and embarrassed by her team’s lackluster performances, Strunk made it clear that accountability ultimately rests on her shoulders.

Now, Chad Brinker, the Titans’ president of football operations, and general manager Mike Borgonzi are set to lead the search for Callahan’s replacement. According to team insiders, the next head coach will likely have only a two- to three-year window to turn the Titans back into playoff contenders.

Importantly, the new head coach’s success will be tied to the success (and development) of first overall pick, Cam Ward. Through seven games, Ward has completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,356 yards. He has thrown 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Ward’s passer rating is 70.9. Notably, he has lost five fumbles.

Ward is signed with the team through at least 2028.

The Titans will move into the new (and domed) Nissan Stadium across the parking lot in 2027. And, Adams Strunk is expected to bid for upcoming Super Bowls. Whether or not Tennessee will have a competitive team at that time will be dependent upon Adams Strunk’s patience.

Number Four: Woody Johnson has seen enough of Justin Fields, backs HC Aaron Glenn

Watching the New York Jets this season has often felt more like an endurance test than entertainment. At times, their games demand patience and resilience from fans. One thing, however, is undeniable — the Jets’ offense has struggled mightily. Through seven games, New York ranks near the bottom of the NFL, averaging just 271.3 total yards per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league, and scoring an average of 18.4 points per contest.

“I see what you see, but I see more hope than you do,” Johnson said. “You can’t win with hope, but it helps.”

But, he has little faith in Fields.

“If we could complete a pass, it would look good,” Johnson said of his team. “It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that … he has the ability but something is just not jiving. But if you look at any head coach with a quarterback like that you’re going to see similar results if you go across the league, you have to play consistently at that position and that’s what we’re going to try to do for the remainder of the season.”

Sunday, Fields was pulled in favor of backup Tyrod Taylor in the loss against the Carolina Panthers. Fields completed six out of twelve passes for 38 yards. Overall, Fields has not turned the ball over, but has been sacked 18 times. It should be clear Taylor will start against the Jets’ next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, this Jets job is tough because the offensive line is not great. That room must be torn down to the studs and be rebuilt. It’s not about the x’s and o’s but the Jimmies and the Joes.

The Point After

Remove the ‘former’ tag from Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham. He has announced his intentions to return to the team on his Unblocked Podcast. Graham felt he never was fully done with football, but he could not pass up the storybook ending after winning Super Bowl LIX.

“I understood both sides of it, man,” Graham said. “Year 15, there’s no better way to go out. They was probably thinking the same thing. But then reality set in for both of us. Another opportunity came. That first one I was like, ‘Nah, I’m gonna stick with it.’ And then I was like, ‘Who am I fooling?’ If it come again though, baby, we gonna get it.”

Graham also said he has stayed in shape and is ready to roll.

“I put myself through some stuff already,” Graham said. “I’m excited with where I am and I feel like I’m springy, I’m bouncy. I feel like myself. I feel good. I can’t wait to go out there and be like, ‘Lane (Johnson), what’s good?! You thought I was finished?!’ That’s where I’m at, man. I just can’t wait for that first initial jog out. I’m going to mess with Jordan (Mailata) first and then I’m gonna come see Lane. Then I’m gonna go get the ones on the inside. Everybody gonna get it.”

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

7 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

7 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,