by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

Alabama’s Aden Holloway Arrested For Marijuana Possession Days Before Start Of NCAA Tournament

He has been hit with two felony charges: first-degree possession of marijuana, not for personal use, and failure to affix a tax stamp.

As the University of Alabama men’s basketball team prepares for its first-round matchup against Hofstra University for the start of the NCAA Tournament, it will be without one of its best players, Aden Holloway, who has been arrested after being hit with two felony charges: first-degree possession of marijuana, not for personal use, and failure to affix a tax stamp.

According to The Associated Press, the 21-year-old student-athlete was arrested after a search by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force near the school’s campus. During the visit, law enforcement “recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash,” Tuscaloosa police spokesperson Stephanie Taylor stated in an email.

The arrest took place on March 16, when Holloway was taken to jail before 10 a.m. and was released less than an hour later on a $5,000 bond. If convicted of the most serious charge of possession, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.

Alabama released a written statement saying that Holloway was “removed” from campus while the investigation into the case is underway.

“The University is aware of the allegations and is working to gather more information,” the school wrote in a statement. “The student has been removed from campus pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct.”

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A post shared by Aden Holloway (@ucancallmebiz)

Holloway, who is a sophomore, is the team’s second leading scorer at 16.8 points a game, and was leading the team in 3-point shooting as one of the starters. The guard is making 43.1% of his shots behind the 3-point line. The post-season tournament, also known as March Madness, starts March 16, for the battle to be called the best team in college basketball.

Alabama, which has a record of 23-9, is the No. 4 seed in the tournament, and its first-round opener will be in Tampa, Florida, against Long Island’s Hofstra University.

The coach, Nate Oats, doesn’t seem worried about the team’s performance in the tournament.

“If we’re going to lose a guy, losing him in the backcourt is the place where we got the most depth,” Oats said. “I told the guys that this team, more than any I’ve coached, is equipped to handle a situation like this. We’ve won plenty of games with guys not available, so they’ll be ready.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

Kiki Shepard, Beloved ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ Co-Host, Dies at 74 After Sudden Heart Attack

Many are mourning the death of Kiki Shepard at 74, the longtime co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo."

Many are mourning the sudden loss of Kiki Shepard, the legendary “Showtime at the Apollo” co-host, who died at 74 after suffering a sudden heart attack.

News of Shepard’s passing was confirmed on March 16, when her representative, LaShirl Smith, said she suffered a massive heart attack in Los Angeles, calling her death completely unexpected, TMZ reports. Following the announcement, Shepard’s family and the KIS Foundation—which she founded two decades ago—released a statement in her remembrance.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease,” the statement reads.

Shepard rose to prominence as a longtime co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, becoming a household name as she introduced aspiring performers at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater. Over the years, she shared hosting duties with stars like Sinbad, Steve Harvey, and Mark Curry, earning praise from audiences for her dynamic presence.

By the time she began co-hosting Showtime at the Apollo, Shepard was already a seasoned entertainer. She launched her career as a professional dancer in the early 1970s, performing worldwide, including with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company.

She went on to build a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing in shows such as “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” “NYPD Blue,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” as well as the film “Blackjack Christmas.” Shepard also made her mark on Broadway with roles in productions like “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God,” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Beyond the stage, she was committed to giving back and raising awareness about sickle cell disease through her KIS Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit she founded to support and advocate for families affected by the condition—a cause deeply personal to her.

“KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives,” her family shared in the statement. “Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease.”

Shepard is survived by her sister, a nephew, and two nieces, and her family says she will be remembered as “our guiding light—strong, loving, joyful, and endlessly generous.”

“To the community she served, she was a tireless champion and a source of inspiration,” they added.

While the family said they are “heartbroken by this loss,” they remain committed to honoring her legacy by continuing the KIS Foundation’s work in service and advocacy for the sickle cell community.

The popular hostess was also recently honored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Tasha K Launches GoFundMe, Asks Internet To Help Pay Down Millions Owed To Cardi B

Tasha K is now reaching out to her "Winos" community to help her pay down the damages owed to the rapper.

Latasha Kebe, better known as Tasha K, is leaning on the internet’s support to help her pay the defamation judgment she owes Cardi B.

The blogger has launched a GoFundMe amid her hefty monthly payments to the Bronx rapper. The two parties were in a long legal battle over gossip Tasha K spread about Cardi B on her infamous blog.

Now, Tasha has called on her “Winos” community to help her through this financial strain she brought on herself. While claiming to have initially refused help, Tasha K finally relented after apparent conversations with her followers.

“For years, many of you have asked me to start a fundraiser to help me pay off the judgment against me. I always refused because I believed it was my responsibility to handle it on my own. But after many conversations with you all, I’m finally listening,” she wrote on the page’s description.

Cardi sued the blogger in 2019 for slander, alleging defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The 2022 result of the case left Tasha K owing the Grammy winner around $4 million in damages and legal fees.

However, that debt became overwhelming for Tasha K’s pockets. Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, the blogger even filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 to free up funds for the payments.

Last March, the two parties agreed to a payment plan where Tasha K would pay the rapper around $1.2 million over the next five years. Under this plan, Tasha K must make court-ordered payments of $20,000 a month, giving Cardi B $176,000 total in the first year alone.

She added, “This fundraiser is being created for one purpose only, to pay down the judgment debt so I can close this chapter and move forward without constant legal distractions.”

However, Tasha K still plans to pull her weight and keep her personal payments on schedule, regardless of the GoFundMe’s success. This amount is also a mere fraction of the total due to Cardi B.

She also says the constant owing is putting her into deeper financial distress, as creditors bring her back to court for more filings. The blogger says this legal hassle has added to the fees on her tight budget.

Tasha K continued, “I don’t have $3.5 million sitting in cash, but with the help of my community, we can accelerate paying this off so I can finally move forward and focus on creating, reporting, and entertaining without constant interruption.”

However, supporters could get more bang for their buck, with Tasha K announcing merch incentives for the “Winos” who chip in. The 44-year-old, who celebrated a birthday on March 10, also said how the only gift she wants is to “put this chapter behind me.”

As of March 17, the GoFundMe has raised over $10,500 of its $3.5 million goal.

Juliana Stratton, Illinois, Senate, lieutenant governor

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

Jesse Jackson’s Family Walks Back ‘Unauthorized’ Endorsement Of Juliana Stratton

The mix-up couldn't come at a worse time, as it could cause more confusion for Black Democratic voters.

The family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson is walking back an endorsement ahead of Illinois’ March 17 primary election, touted by Illinois Lieutenant Governor and Senate candidate, Juliana Stratton, after claiming endorsements from the late civil rights leader weren’t done prior to his death, Politico reported.

The reported confusion stemmed from Stratton’s observation that the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson’s organization, distributed sample ballots on March 14 that endorsed Stratton as the candidate.

“[Jackson’s] example has been a north star for me, and I’m deeply honored to have received his trust, support, and endorsement before his passing,” Stratton said in a statement.

While Jackson’s son and Rainbow’s CEO, Yusef, doesn’t deny that his father “began the process of reviewing candidates and identifying those he intended to support in the upcoming primary election” prior to his death, he claimeddefint the ballots were unauthorized, meaning the endorsement isn’t valid.

“However, given his passing just over a month ago, the process was never fully completed,” Jackson said.

“Out of respect for my father, we decided not to publicly release his intended selections given the process had not been finalized.”

However, Stratton isn’t backing down from the narrative that she had the endorsement in her hand, claiming she was informed at the event that she could share the announcement.

“Juliana spoke on Saturday at Rainbow PUSH for a Women’s History Month event, and officials told her she received the endorsements. Organizers shared the sample election ballot that was already being distributed and encouraged her to share the news,” her team said in a statement, according to The Hill.

But in a back-and-forth, Jackson labeled the issue as “unforeseen controversy, unfortunately revolved around one candidate in particular.” He did clarify that his family “did not withdraw or retract our endorsement of any one candidate” as “we made clear that the document shared this weekend was not final.”

The mix-up couldn’t come at a worse time, as it could cause more confusion for Black Democratic voters. Stratton and fellow candidate Rep. Robin Kelly both have their eyes on taking over for Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring.

With Stratton’s eye-catching “F*** Trump” campaign video, some voters are concerned that the lieutenant governor and Kelly could split the primary vote, which could open doors for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) to secure the nomination.

While her campaign says “Juliana is spending the final hours of this campaign talking to voters and making sure every Illinoisan hears how she plans to take on Donald Trump and bring their voices to Washington,” a poll shows that a majority of Democratic voters want a candidate that leans more towards their values – 56% to be exact. Forty-two percent want the candidate with the best chance of winning a general election.

by Mitti Hicks

March 17, 2026

Cubas Experiencing Island-Wide Black Out Amid Energy Crisis

This marks the third major blackout in Cuba in just four months.

Cuba is experiencing islandwide blackouts as the country grapples with an economic and energy crisis, as its power grid crumbles. On X, the Ministry of Energy and Mines tweeted that there is a “complete disconnection” of the country’s electrical system and that it would be investigating the outages.

According to the Associated Press, Lazara Guerra, the ministry’s electricity director, told state media that crews are trying to reboot several thermoelectric plants, which are key to restoring power on the island.

“It must be done gradually to avoid setbacks,” Guerra stated. “Systems, when weak, are more susceptible to failure.”

This marks the third major blackout in Cuba in just four months. While the country is facing challenges with eroding infrastructure that have led to daily outages, Cuban officials are also blaming its problems on a U.S. energy blockade. President Donald Trump warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.

Cubans are in a tough spot. The Trump administration is demanding that leaders release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for lifting the sanctions. Even more worrisome is Trump’s calls for a “friendly takeover of Cuba.”

“I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said on Monday about Cuba. He added that the island is a “very weakened nation.”

The Trump administration wants Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to step down as the United States negotiates with the Cuban government about the island nation’s future, the New York Times reports.

Without coming to an agreement, Cuban residents will continue to struggle with a lack of power.

“We have to prepare a mattress for the girls here so that they can sleep here because we have no choice,” Yuneici Cecilia Riviaux told the Associated Press.

William LeoGrande, professor at the American University, who has tracked Cuba for years, told the publication that the country’s energy grid has not been properly maintained. He added that the infrastructure is “way past its normal useful life.”

YouTube, AI, fake news, Black celebrities

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

YouTube To Allow Politicians, Government Officials, And Journalists To Have Likeness Removed From AI-Generated Content

YouTube will begin allowing certain public figures to request the removal of AI-generated content that uses their likeness.

YouTube is expanding its crackdown on AI-generated content.

On March 10, YouTube announced it is expanding its likeness detection pilot—previously available to creators in the YouTube Partner Program—to include government officials, journalists, and political candidates. The tool, similar to Content ID, scans for a participant’s likeness in AI-generated content.

If a match is found, such as a deepfake using their face, the individual can review the video and request its removal if it violates the platform’s privacy guidelines.

“This expansion is really about the integrity of the public conversation,” said Leslie Miller, YouTube’s vice president of Government Affairs and Public Policy, in a press briefing. “We know that the risks of AI impersonation are particularly high for those in the civic space. But while we are providing this new shield, we’re also being careful about how we use it,” she noted.

While not every flagged video will be removed, YouTube said each request will be reviewed under its existing privacy policies. The company will assess whether the content qualifies as parody or political commentary—forms of expression that are protected. The pilot program is designed to balance free speech with the growing risks posed by AI tools capable of creating convincing likenesses of public figures.

“There’s a lot of content that’s produced with AI, but that distinction’s actually not material to the content itself,” explained Amjad Hanif, YouTube’s vice president of creator products, as to the label’s placement. “It could be a cartoon that is generated with AI. And so I think there’s a judgment on whether it’s a category that maybe merits from a very visible disclaimer,” he said.

Alongside tightening its rules on AI-generated content, YouTube is also pushing for federal protections by backing the NO FAKES Act in Washington, D.C. The proposed law would regulate the use of AI to create unauthorized versions of a person’s voice or likeness. YouTube also plans to expand its deepfake detection tools to cover recognizable voices and other intellectual property, including popular characters.

BLEXIT, Candace Owens, Segregation, Donald Trump,

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

‘Bride of Charlie’ Is Doing Historic Numbers On Viewership—But Is Candace Owens Going Too Far?

Owens hasn't stopped talking about the Kirks since Charlie's assassination, making it clear during an episode of her podcast there will be nothing stopping her from finding the truth.

The investigative series “Bride of Charlie” by conservative podcast host Candace Owens about Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Founder Charlie Kirk, is achieving historic numbers on YouTube. Yet, some critics feel she is taking things a little too far.

The first episode of the YouTube series has already surpassed five million views, with episode seven pulling in 2.2 million views and episode six 1.9 million. The series touches on claims that the widow is linked to disturbing things, such as satanic rituals, with unverified evidence, but the number of viewers resembles a hit-making Netflix show.

Since Kirk’s September 2025 assassination while giving a speech on a college campus, Owens, who used to work for TPUSA and labeled herself as a very good friend of the deceased, hasn’t taken her foot off the gas of claims that his wife is running the company into the ground, among other things. Just months after Kirk was killed, Owens claimed the company, now led by his widow, was hiding an unknown truth surrounding Kirk’s death. During a November 2025 episode of her “The Candace Show” podcast, she made it clear that nothing will stop her from finding the truth. “Charlie was right,” Owens said.

“He knew I would be the one to defend him after death.”

But allegations of her going a little off the edge started to fly when she dropped footage of the shooting from behind Kirk’s head without warning viewers. Owens told viewers she had been holding on to the footage for months — and then shifted to topics correlated to Freemasonry, claiming Kirk “was likely sacrificed,” according to Wealth of Geeks.

As Owens reads from notes or a teleprompter, critics are pushing claims of her being insincere and using the killing as proof that she’s turning a tragedy into content. But she has doubled down on naming TPUSA and accusing it of betrayals, and linking Kirk’s death to his views on issues like war with Iran. She even made bold claims that the widow once crossed paths with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “I have a hunch, a growing hunch, that Erika and Jeffrey Epstein may have crossed paths,” she said in an episode titled “EXPLOSIVE! What Erika Kirk Was Doing In Epstein’s Orbit.”

Despite the critique, such as the series being a result of her needing content for her podcast, viewers can’t turn away. During an interview with NPR, Slate staff writer Molly Olmstead called the series somewhat of a “turning point” in what Americans believe in an environment of political uncertainty. “I do think we’re starting to see some people who are waking up to this reality right now. That being said, this is a discourse that’s still largely taking place on social media,” Olmstead said.

“We have not seen a lot of leading political figures who have spoken up about this at all. So the question is, you know, when will this jump from social media to the actual leadership of the Republican Party and the MAGA movement? And that’s a question that’s left to be answered.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

Cali By Snoop Releases Commemorative Wine Celebrating 30th Anniversary Of ‘2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted’ Song

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Pac and I got together to make ‘2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.’ Nobody did it like us, and I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than with a drink,” said Snoop Dogg

With the 30th anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s and Tupac’s single, 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted, Cali By Snoop has released a special edition of its wine named after the collaboration.

The wine is now available in stores and online for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Snoop released a video as a tribute to his former labelmate, reminiscing about key moments during their time together. The clip includes behind-the-scenes snippets from their collective video shoot for the single. Tupac was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Sept. 13, 1996, after attending a Mike Tyson bout.

30 years since 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted. We’re pouring a little out for Tupac. Limited edition #calibysnoop out now. #pouralittleout pic.twitter.com/9TPXILGvR4

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) March 10, 2026

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Pac and I got together to make ‘2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.’ Nobody did it like us, and I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than with a drink,” said Snoop Dogg in a written statement. “This wine is perfect for celebrating with loved ones, and I’m looking forward to the people pourin’ a little out with me for my friend.”

The two recording artists were labelmates on Death Row Records, and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted was the only video that the two filmed together before Tupac’s death.

Cali By Snoop’s 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted has been described as a Petite Sirah-dominant red blend that features notes of toasty oak, dark fruit, toffee, and baking spice. It is now available at major retailers across the country, including Kroger, Total Wine & More, Instacart, Ralph’s, Albertson’s, Meijer, DoorDash, Jewel-Osco, and more.

More info about the product can be found at CaliBySnoop.com.

Cali By Snoop was launched in 2020 with the release of Cali Red. Other flavors include Cali Smooth, Cali Sweet, Cali Blanc, Cali Rosé, Cali Chill, and Cali Gold.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

Family Mourns The Loss Of Airman With ‘Unforgettable’ Smile In War Labeled As ‘Uncalled For’

His mother, Cheryl, remembered the exact moments officers came to her door to deliver the heartbreaking news, saying it was shocking, remembering how much her son loved his job.

The family of a U.S. Air Force airman is mourning and seeking answers after Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons was killed along with other service members in a refueling aircraft accident in Iraq, expressing feelings that his death could have been prevented, 10 TV reports.

Simmons, a 28-year-old airman with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, died after the KC-135 Stratotanker he was aboard went down supporting operations in the area. U.S. Central Command claims the crash came following an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in neutral airspace and that the other plane landed safely. However, that doesn’t give answers to a grieving family. “He had a million-dollar smile. When people see my cousin, they’d be like, that smile is gonna take him places, and it took him to his dream job,” Tracy Peaks, Simmons’ cousin, said.

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His mother, Cheryl, remembered the exact moments officers came to her door to deliver the heartbreaking news, saying it was shocking, remembering how much her son loved his job as an airman. “When he opened the door, he said, ‘Oh no,’ and I jumped up and ran in there, and they were lined up out on the porch,” the grieving mother said.

“‘You got to be kidding me.'”

Other families and Simmons’ family members can relate. The Columbus, Ohio, native’s grandmother, Bernice Smith, said people shouldn’t be experiencing this type of grief right now, “just to create a war because you want to create a war is not right.” Cousin Stephan Douglas agreed, saying, “We believe this could have been prevented. It’s a sad day.” “We didn’t need to be in this war,” he continued, according to Daily Beast.

“This is uncalled for, and this is what we get.”

Americans woke up Feb. 28 to war rhetoric from President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, launching “Operation Epic Fury” in the Middle East. Since then, several members of the U.S. military and civilians have been killed, causing rifts at home between supporters and opponents.

Amid preparations for the midterms, the Simmons family, for those who don’t support this conflict, wants voters to take their issues out to the poll booths, to take their grief to the ballot box in November. “Our hearts are saddened beyond measure to learn of six more airmen being killed last night,” the family said in a written statement. “One of them is our beloved Tyler Simmons. Tyler’s smile could light up any room; his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family, and friends are grief-stricken for the loss of life,” the family wrote in a statement.

“Vote for Tyler and the five others who lost their lives recently, and for all those serving our country. They are heroes who are loved and will be missed. Praying for Tyler, his fellow airmen, his family, and we pray for the United States to do better and be better.”

Elected officials at both the state and federal levels have shared in the Simmons’ family thoughts, with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther saying his “life was taken far too soon in a recent accident in Iraq.”

Ohio Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who serves the Columbus area, released a statement on X, saying she was “heartbroken” to hear about the news. “My heart is with Tyler’s family and the families of the other five servicemembers who were killed, including two other Ohioans,” she wrote.

“In Columbus and across the nation, we will always remember the sacrifice of Tyler and his fellow servicemembers.”

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

WNBA Players Union Pushes for Revenue Sharing And Housing In Ongoing League Negotiations

The WNBA players union remains in intense negotiations with the league over revenue share and housing that could delay the start of the season.

As the start of the Women’s National Basketball Association season approaches, the Players’ Union remains locked in intense negotiations with the league to finalize a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and avoid potential delays to the upcoming season.

Players Union President Nneka Ogwumike said revenue sharing and team-funded housing remain two of the biggest unresolved issues in negotiations, NBC Sports reports. The two sides are scheduled to meet for a fifth straight day on March 21 in hopes of finalizing a new CBA, with discussions expected to focus on those key points after the past two days centered on more minor issues.

“It’s very important for us to nail those two things down, which is, I think, the biggest thing on the agenda today,” Ogwumike said in between bargaining sessions. “So we want to make sure that we can get that.”

Revenue sharing is expected to be the biggest sticking point in negotiations. The league has proposed sharing net revenue—earnings after expenses—while the players’ union has pushed for a percentage of gross revenue —earnings before expenses.

When talks began more than a year ago, the union sought 40% of gross revenue but lowered its proposal to 26% ahead of the marathon in-person bargaining session on March 10. The league, meanwhile, has offered players more than 70% of net revenue. Still, Ogwumike has stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement on both revenue sharing and player housing, as teams have covered player housing since the league’s inception. Still, the league has proposed changes to that arrangement in the new CBA.

“We’ve talked a lot about revenue share, which that’s obviously going to be, I don’t even really like calling it the elephant in the room. Like it’s there, you know, like we’re going to talk about it,” Ogwumike said. “But housing is big, you know, and housing is really big. And I think that perhaps people understanding this negotiation or like learning about it has really shown like how meaningful something like a housing benefit is, especially for the women in the W.”

If revenue-sharing and housing issues are resolved, the Women’s National Basketball Association season is expected to begin on time, May 8. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said a deal needed to be reached by March 16 to avoid disruptions. She also stressed how the delay could impact the expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, as well as free agency for 80% of the league.

“We have to get it done without disrupting some part of the fact that we’ve got to run this two-team expansion (draft),” Engelbert said. “We have to get expansion going. We got to get free agency going. We gotta get the college draft.”

The first preseason games are set for April 25, featuring Caitlin Clark and Indiana against New York, and Seattle facing Golden State.