Reading Time: 2 minutes

International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, is a special occasion to honor and recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world. It is not just a day for appreciation but also a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. Women have played a crucial role in shaping societies, driving change, and breaking barriers in every field, from leadership and innovation to activism and creativity.

The significance of Women’s Day goes beyond celebrations and well wishes. It is a time to acknowledge the struggles women have faced and continue to face in various aspects of life. Despite progress, challenges like gender pay gaps, limited representation in leadership roles, and societal biases still exist. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, true gender equality may not be achieved until 2158. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of accelerating efforts to create a fairer world for all.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent and collective efforts to speed up progress toward gender equality. It emphasizes the need for governments, businesses, and individuals to take meaningful steps in closing gaps and ensuring that women everywhere have equal opportunities. From education and employment to healthcare and political participation, real change can only happen when everyone commits to making a difference.

Women’s Day is also an opportunity to appreciate the special women in our lives—our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, colleagues, and mentors—who inspire us in countless ways. A simple gesture, whether through kind words, small gifts, or heartfelt messages, can make a significant impact. It is a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of the women who support, nurture, and uplift those around them.

To help spread positivity and appreciation, here are some meaningful wishes and quotes to share on this special day:

1. “Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and recognition for all the amazing things you do. Happy Women’s Day!”

2. “May you continue to shine brightly, break barriers, and inspire others. Wishing you a wonderful Women’s Day!”

3. “Here’s to your strength, kindness, and determination. You make the world a better place. Happy Women’s Day!”

4. “You are powerful, fearless, and unstoppable. Keep reaching for your dreams. Happy Women’s Day!”

5. “Behind every great achievement is a woman who refused to give up. Keep shining and inspiring. Happy Women’s Day!”

In addition to sending wishes, sharing beautiful images, status updates, and greeting cards can make the celebration even more special. Whether it’s a heartfelt note to a loved one or a social media post recognizing the achievements of women worldwide, every small effort contributes to the spirit of the day.

International Women’s Day is also a time to reflect on the importance of supporting women beyond just one day of the year. Empowering women means advocating for equal opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that every woman has the chance to succeed. It is about creating an inclusive world where gender does not define one’s potential or opportunities.

As the world continues to evolve, so must our efforts toward gender equality. Celebrating Women’s Day is not just about recognizing women’s contributions but also about taking meaningful action to ensure that every woman, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Let this day serve as a reminder that change is possible, and together, we can work toward a future where equality is not just an ideal but a reality.

Reading Time: 4 minutesTen 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.

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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.