Ten years after first donning the mask, Charlie Cox returns as Daredevil in the highly anticipated Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again.” The two-episode premiere continues the story of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer-turned-vigilante who fights crime to keep New York City safe.

The first season, consisting of nine episodes, picks up after the events of the original “Daredevil” series, which ended with Murdock finally managing to put crime boss Wilson Fisk behind bars. However, in “Born Again,” Fisk has reinvented himself as a major political figure, running for mayor with the slogan “Fisk can fix it.” His popularity rises, and his influence grows, but his true agenda remains hidden from the public. While Fisk presents himself as a savior for the city, his real intentions involve expanding his power and control from behind the scenes.

Vincent D’Onofrio, reprising his role as the cunning and brutal Kingpin, describes Fisk’s love for New York as being as strong as Daredevil’s, though they have very different ideas on how to protect it. He explains that Fisk truly believes he is the one who can fix the city’s problems, but his methods involve deception, manipulation, and a secretive plan to consolidate his control.

At the start of “Born Again,” Matt Murdock has stepped away from his Daredevil persona, choosing instead to work within the legal system and support law enforcement. He does, however, reevaluate his decision after a shocking incident in the first episode and the resignation of a significant portion of the police force. As crime rises and superheroes are unfairly criminalized, the city may need Daredevil more than ever.

One of the new faces in this latest chapter is White Tiger, a Latino vigilante with superpowers granted by a mystical amulet. The character, played by the late actor Kamar de los Reyes, enters the story in a pivotal way. White Tiger, whose real name is Hector Ayala, finds himself wrongfully accused of murder after a confrontation with the police at a subway station.

Charlie Cox expressed his admiration for de los Reyes’ performance, noting the depth and authenticity he brought to the role. He acknowledged that the late actor imparted a humanity and cultural significance to White Tiger that will last a lifetime. De los Reyes, who passed away from cancer in December 2023, was known for his role as detective Antonio Vega in the long-running soap opera “One Life to Live” and as the face and voice of Raul Menendez in the Call of Duty: Black Ops video game series.

s inclusion in the series marks an important moment for Latino representation in Marvel’s on-screen universe. The character, created by Bill Mantlo and George Pérez in 1975, was groundbreaking for its time, offering a complex and non-stereotypical portrayal of a Latino superhero. Comic book scholar Frederick Luis Aldama emphasized the significance of bringing White Tiger to life in “Born Again,” noting that his character was one of the first to authentically depict Latino culture and language without relying on clichés.

For Cox, White Tiger’s story is particularly compelling because of its ties to the legal world. He recalled that one of the storylines that stood out to him when he first started researching Daredevil comics in 2014 was “The Trial of the White Tiger,” in which Matt Murdock represents another superhero in court. He found it fascinating to see how Murdock, who straddles both worlds as a lawyer and a vigilante, would handle such a case.

Fans are already speculating about the future of White Tiger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially given the passing of de los Reyes. In the comics, the White Tiger mantle is passed down through generations, first to Hector Ayala’s niece and later to his younger sister. Some believe the show might follow a similar path, introducing a successor who will carry on his legacy.

Meanwhile, “Daredevil: Born Again” has sparked conversations about where the series will take its main character. With Fisk gaining power and Daredevil struggling with his place in a changing city, the show promises intense conflicts and morally complex storytelling. Murdock must decide whether he can continue to trust the system or if he needs to return to the shadows to fight for justice in his own way.

As the first two episodes set the stage for a gripping season, fans are eagerly anticipating the twists and turns ahead. For those attending the BIPOC Pop comic book and arts expo in Austin, Texas, a “Daredevil: Born Again” watch party has been organized to celebrate the show’s release and discuss its cultural impact. The excitement surrounding the return of Daredevil and the introduction of White Tiger proves that Marvel’s street-level heroes still have powerful stories to tell.

Ruby Franke’s son, Chad Franke, has spoken out against claims that he remains “brainwashed” after his mother’s high-profile child abuse case. The 20-year-old, who is the second eldest of Ruby’s six children with her ex-husband Kevin Franke, pushed back on criticism following his public statement about still loving his mother.

On March 3, Chad addressed these claims in an Instagram Story post. Sharing a video of his cat using a litter box, he wrote, “To all the people saying my dad and I are still brainwashed for loving another human being, eat Walter’s s–t.” He also made reference to his mother’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who was sentenced alongside Ruby. Posting a meme of Wario, a villain from Nintendo’s Mario series, he added the caption, “My healing process was realizing this was my therapist,” seemingly indicating that Jodi had a strong negative influence on their family.

Chad’s comments came just days after the release of a new docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. The documentary, which premiered on February 27, features interviews with Chad, his father Kevin, and his older sister Shari Franke. The series delves into the disturbing details of Ruby’s parenting, her involvement with Hildebrandt, and the abuse that led to her conviction.

In one episode, Kevin reflected on his ex-wife’s actions, acknowledging the severity of what had taken place but also expressing a conflicted sense of longing. “The actions that she did were atrocious, but I still feel a longing,” he said. “It is easy for the world to hate that woman, and so many people want me to join in that chorus, and I cannot turn off all of those other memories.”

Chad echoed his father’s thoughts but placed significant blame on Hildebrandt, arguing that she manipulated Ruby into making destructive choices. Before Ruby’s arrest, Jodi had encouraged her to alienate Kevin and Chad, ultimately leading to their removal from the home.

On Snapchat, Chad reinforced his views about the situation, responding to a question about the docuseries by saying, “People don’t realize how good Jodi was at manipulating. I hope everyone will get it.”

Shari Franke, Chad’s older sister, has also spoken out about their mother’s parenting style. In Devil in the Family, she detailed the strict and controlling environment that defined their childhood. According to her, Ruby often referred to her children as “employees” while positioning herself as the “CEO” of their household. She described their family home as feeling more like a film set than a place of warmth and safety.

Neither Ruby nor Jodi has publicly commented on the documentary. However, after receiving her prison sentence in 2024, Ruby expressed remorse for her actions, admitting that her perception of reality had been deeply distorted. “To my babies, you are a part of me,” she said in court. “I believed dark was light and right was wrong. I would do anything in this world for you. I took from you all that was soft, and safe, and good.”

The case against Ruby Franke began in August 2023, when Utah police responded to a report of a malnourished child seeking help. The child, later identified as Ruby’s 12-year-old son, was found emaciated, covered in open wounds, and bound with duct tape. He had escaped from Jodi Hildebrandt’s home, where he had been subjected to prolonged abuse. Authorities later found another child in a similarly dire state inside the house, as well as Ruby’s 9-year-old daughter sitting alone in an empty closet, terrified.

Ruby and Jodi were both arrested on aggravated child abuse charges and later formally indicted. The case quickly garnered widespread media attention, particularly given Ruby’s past as a prominent parenting influencer on YouTube. She and Kevin had run the channel 8 Passengers, which promoted a strict and often controversial approach to parenting.

Following Ruby’s arrest, her older daughter Shari shared her relief, writing on Instagram, “Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We’ve been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up. Kids are safe, but there’s a long road ahead.”

Ruby’s sisters, Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein, and Julie Deru, also spoke out in a joint statement, acknowledging that they had distanced themselves from Ruby in recent years but had worked privately to ensure the safety of her children. “For the last three years, we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children,” they wrote. “Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe.”

In September 2023, both Ruby and Jodi were charged with six counts of felony child abuse. Kevin Franke, meanwhile, publicly denied any involvement in the abuse, stating that he had been living separately from Ruby for over a year before her arrest. In November, he officially filed for divorce.

Ruby and Jodi later pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse each. In February 2024, they were sentenced to four consecutive prison terms ranging from one to 15 years each, with a maximum cap of 30 years.

During her sentencing, Ruby issued a tearful apology, acknowledging the damage she had inflicted on her children. “For the past four years, I’ve chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion,” she admitted. “My distorted version of reality went largely unchecked as I would isolate from anyone who challenged me.”

In March 2024, further details of the case emerged, including disturbing entries from Ruby’s personal diary. In one chilling note from July 10, 2023—her son’s 12th birthday—she described him as “Satanic” and justified her abusive punishments as necessary discipline. Prosecutors also released an audio interview with Kevin, in which he recounted the extreme restrictions Ruby and Jodi imposed on him at home, including banning him from the kitchen and controlling when he could return home.

As the public continues to react to the case, Chad, Kevin, and Shari remain vocal about their experiences. Though Chad insists he still loves his mother, his recent posts make it clear that he understands the damage done. The fallout from Ruby Franke’s actions will undoubtedly leave lasting scars on her family, but for now, they are trying to move forward and reclaim their lives.

A grassroots organization is urging Americans to refrain from spending any money for 24 hours on Friday in what they call an “economic blackout.” The protest, led by The People’s Union USA, is meant to serve as an act of economic resistance against billionaires, major corporations, and the influence of both political parties, which the group claims are negatively impacting the lives of working people. The event has gained attention on social media, where people are debating its potential impact, while the organization also plans more extended boycotts targeting specific companies.

The People’s Union USA, founded by meditation teacher John Schwarz, is behind the movement. The group, which describes itself as politically independent and representing all people, has not responded to requests for comment. According to its website, the planned blackout will begin at midnight EST and continue for 24 hours, encouraging people to avoid making purchases both online and in stores. The movement especially urges participants to avoid major retailers, fast food chains, and gas stations. If emergencies require a purchase, the organization advises people to shop at small businesses and use cash instead of credit or debit cards.

The protest is not limited to a single day. The group is planning another economic blackout on March 28 and has also organized specific boycotts against companies like Walmart and Amazon, as well as global food giants Nestlé and General Mills. As part of its Amazon boycott, the organization is encouraging people to avoid shopping at Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon.

Meanwhile, other activist groups and faith-based leaders are organizing boycotts of their own, targeting companies that have scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This comes as President Donald Trump moves to eliminate all federal DEI programs and policies. Among the companies under fire is Target, which had previously supported diversity and inclusion efforts but announced in January that it would be scaling back those initiatives. This decision has prompted a backlash from various groups.

A labor advocacy group called We Are Somebody, led by activist Nina Turner, launched a boycott of Target on February 1, coinciding with the start of Black History Month. Additionally, Atlanta-area pastor Rev. Jamal Bryant has launched a website, targetfast.org, to recruit Christians for a 40-day Target boycott beginning March 5, which marks Ash Wednesday. Other faith leaders have joined the movement as well. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton has also entered the conversation, announcing in late January that his organization, the National Action Network, will identify two companies within the next 90 days to be boycotted for abandoning DEI commitments. He emphasized that while Trump may have the power to cut federal DEI programs, he cannot control where people choose to spend their money.

While these economic protests have gained traction, experts are divided on whether they will have any lasting impact. Some believe retailers may feel a small financial pinch from Friday’s blackout, especially given the current economic climate. Inflation concerns and Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on imported goods have already affected consumer sentiment. Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at market research firm Circana, pointed out that with consumers spending more on essentials like food, there is increased pressure on discretionary retailers. However, he believes any impact from the blackout will likely be limited, primarily affecting liberal-leaning coastal areas and big cities.

Marketing professor Anna Tuchman from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management agrees that the blackout could lead to a temporary dip in daily retail sales but does not expect it to have long-term effects. She noted that while it may be a powerful statement for one day, maintaining sustained economic resistance is difficult.

The effectiveness of consumer boycotts has varied in the past. Target saw a decline in sales in the spring and summer of 2023, partially due to backlash over its LGBTQ+ Pride Month collection. In response, the company scaled back its Pride merchandise the following year. Other boycotts, however, have had mixed results. In 2020, Goya Foods faced a boycott after its CEO praised Trump, but the brand saw a temporary surge in sales as conservative shoppers rallied behind it. Research found that sales increased for three weeks but eventually returned to normal. Bud Light, on the other hand, faced a significant sales decline in 2023 after sending a commemorative can to a transgender influencer. Unlike Goya, Bud Light’s losses were sustained, as its core customer base found alternative beer brands to purchase instead.

For some consumers, Friday’s economic blackout presents an opportunity to make a statement. Political and image consultant Afya Evans from Atlanta said she plans to participate but will focus on supporting small businesses and Black-owned brands. She noted that while she is aware of other boycotts, she finds this one particularly interesting because it aims to measure collective consumer power. Evans believes that if enough people participate, the impact could be significant, providing insight into how consumer behavior can shape corporate decisions moving forward.