• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Proposed SAVE Act Could Jeopardize Voting Rights Of Black Elders Who Lack Birth Records

Older Black Americans without an official birth certificate or passport could lose their right to vote.

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Black seniors without proper birth records could potentially lose their voting rights if a new bill passes.

The proposed legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act, would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when voting. The GOP-supported bill has garnered pushback from Democratic lawmakers over claims of voter disenfranchisement, especially for Black communities.

If the GOP-controlled House and Senate pass the bill, many voting-eligible Americans would face stricter restrictions to exercise their right. If they wished to vote, they would need to show a birth certificate or passport. However, many older Black Americans lack such records, causing concern for voting rights advocates, according to Capital B News.

For many, growing up in rural American communities meant there were no nearby hospitals to deliver babies. Instead, Black mothers gave birth with the help of midwives. Records for documenting new life were frequently written down in a family Bible.

Doctors were seldom available and expensive, so families opted for home births. As a result, many older Black people lack official documentation of their citizenship.

The SAVE Act’s voting requirements shed light on inequitable healthcare systems that led to this uneven birth certificate access. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities confirmed that one-fifth of Black Americans born between 1939 and 1940 never received proper birth certificates.

Around 21 million voting-age Black Americans could lose their ability to vote.

Passports are also an unfavorable alternative to voting. U.S. Department of State data, detailed by Rustic Pathways, confirmed that only around 45-50% of Americans have a passport. And there are monetary and legal barriers to obtaining one.

The SAVE Act would also vastly shift voter registration efforts, a pillar of Black communal advocacy for political change.

While GOP supporters claim the legislation will crack down on noncitizen voting, the Brennan Center for Justice has emphasized that the issue is more myth than fact. Democratic lawmakers have already called out the measure as a modern way of restricting Black people’s voting rights.

“It’s Jim Crow 2.0,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said MS Now’s Morning Joe in February. “What they’re trying to do here is the same thing that was done in the South for decades to prevent people of color from voting.”

States and advocacy groups have already begun the work to expand voter protections to prevent disenfranchisement ahead of the midterm elections.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Voted By Mail In Florida’s Special Election Despite Attacking The Practice 

• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Doulas Become Viable Service For Moms-to-Be Wanting Holistic Care During Pregnancy

Research has shown doulas can help Medicaid-covered women have healthier births.

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The growing popularity of doulas has made women of all tax brackets get the holistic care they need during pregnancy.

As more health insurance plans begins to cover doula care, more expecting women have chosen that option. Doulas, trained birthing professionals who offer emotional, physical, and wellness support for pregnant women, have now become a mainstream service.

Beyond doctors and nurses, doulas often work as advocates for mothers in the hospital room. Although non-clinical aides, they serve as an extra means of support and guidance for moms throughout each trimester. They frequently provide a level of care that makes clients become family, ensuring pregnant mothers feel safe.

The check-ups with doulas do more than ensure the baby’s health. They ensure the pregnancy is running as smoothly as possible for mothers. The inclusion has become especially critical for Black mothers who face disproportionate maternal mortality rates.

According to the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Black women are more than three times more likely to die from childbirth complications than their white counterparts. However, a doula’s presence can add that vital care and attention Black mothers need to thrive post-pregnancy.

“Doulas can benefit everybody,” explained Sierra Hill, an employee at the Minnesota Health Department, to the Associated Press. “Especially communities facing inequities.”

A brief on Doulas in Medicaid confirmed that “doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a baby with low birthweight, two times less likely to experience a birth complication for the mother or baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.”

Many hospitals and insurance companies have supported this trend of doulas in the maternal health process, with more working in tandem with medical professionals. Doulas are a growing way for pregnant women to feel championed.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Mothers Reveal Their Maternity Care Horror Stories: ‘The Nurse Got Angry’

• Legal

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Actress Theresa Randle Released Without Charges In Latest Legal Incident

The "Bad Boys" star was briefly held on felony suspicion before authorities cited insufficient evidence.

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Bad Boys actress Theresa Randle was taken into custody earlier this month on suspicion of a felony domestic violence offense but was later released after authorities determined there was not enough evidence to move forward with charges.

According to law enforcement records, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Randle was detained on the evening of March 1 in Los Angeles on suspicion of causing injury to a spouse or cohabitant.

Officials confirmed that the arrest took place around 8:30 p.m. Randle remained in custody for approximately two days before being released on March 3.

Jail records indicate the reason for her release was “insufficient evidence,” meaning prosecutors declined to pursue the domestic violence case at this time. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the allegation but did not provide additional details.

Randle, 61, is best known her role as Theresa Burnett in the Bad Boys franchise, where she starred opposite Martin Lawrence. She also appeared in notable films such as Malcolm X.

In October 2024, Randle was arrested in connection with a separate felony assault allegation stemming from a reported incident at a Los Angeles area residence. Authorities responded to a call but did not locate her at the scene. A follow-up call days later led to her arrest, which also included a reported violation of a restraining order. That case was ultimately dismissed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Randle has faced changes in her professional career. Although she appeared in the first three Bad Boys films, reports in 2023 indicated she would not return for the fourth installment. The role of Theresa Burnett was recast with Tasha Smith, though no official explanation was publicly provided.

Around the same period, public concern about Randle’s well-being grew after footage circulated online that appeared to show her in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

No formal charges have been filed in connection with the March incident, and it remains unclear whether further investigation will take place.

RELATED CONTENT: Theresa Randle Sighting Ignites Concern After Actress Was Replaced By Tasha Smith In ‘Bad Boys 4’

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Kim Kardashian, Ray J Reportedly Signed Secret $6M Settlement To Bury Infamous Sex Tape

The two famed exes remain in a legal and public battle over their recounts of the sex tape's release.

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Kim Kardashian and her ex-boyfriend Ray J reportedly signed a multi-million dollar settlement to forbid either of them from speaking about their infamous sex tape.

The parties and their famous “momagers,” Kardashian’s Kris Jenner and Ray J’s Sonja Norwood, agreed to the 2023 settlement. TMZ reports that the deal paid Ray J $6 million.

Per its stipulations, the famous exes agreed to squash all legal threats regarding the sex tape.

“The parties have agreed to enter this agreement addressing all past, current, or future claims, disputes, causes of action, defenses, and alleged losses, including without limitation, all claims and defenses arising out of or concerning the subject matter of the sex tape,” stated the legal document, which was obtained by TMZ.

The document even ensured major companies like Hulu and Disney were not liable for any claims as well, especially as the streamer airs The Kardashians. Despite the settlement’s signing, the two unfriendly exes have regained the spotlight for new claims regarding their taped encounter.

In October 2025, Kardashian and Jenner filed a defamation lawsuit against Ray J, stemming from the “I Hit It First” singer claiming that the mother-daughter duo was under a federal investigation, an assertion both women have denied.

In response, Ray J filed a countersuit, denying Kardashian’s story that their sex tape leaked to the internet without her consent. He also confirmed that he got a $6 million check in an effort to silence him from speaking about the Skims founder and the 2007 tape.

The sex tape arguably catapulted Kardashian and her family to mega-stardom. The interest in the Hollywood socialite and her multiple siblings led to their reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which ran for 20 seasons on the E!

While he was legally required not to speak about the sex tape, Ray J said that became void after Kardashian and Jenner discussed the video on their reality show.

RELATED CONTENT: Ray J Grows Up After Turbulent Year, Promises Major Personal Shift

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

TLC’s Chilli Denies MAGA Ties And Michelle Obama Diss Despite Records Revealing Donations To Trump Campaign

Chilli has since denied her support of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

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TLC singer Chilli reportedly has ties to MAGA, with records showing her past donations to President Donald Trump and his 2024 presidential campaign.

MeidasTouch discovered records that show the ’90s singer sent almost $1,000 to the GOP candidate. Individual contributions listed by the Federal Elections Commission detailed that Rozanda Thomas of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Chilli’s real name and her residence, supported Trump with several monetary gifts.

The 17 total donations ranged in amounts from $3.50 to $180 toward MAGA-affiliated entities. These included “WinRed,” Never Surrender, Inc.,” and “Trump National Committee JFC, Inc,” which had the highest donation amount.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement of a tour with TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue. The three groups will co-headline the “It’s Iconic” North American tour starting Aug. 15.

Fans began to inquire about Chilli’s political leanings after she seemingly reposted a debunked conspiracy regarding Former first lady Michelle Obama this March. The post, later taken off Chilli’s Instagram, wrongfully claimed that Obama identified as transgender, with distorted images displaying the mother of two as a man.

Chilli took to Instagram to clarify where she stands politically. The 55-year-old said she thought her donation actually went to organizations against human trafficking and those that supported veterans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chilli (@therealchilli)

“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people. I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print…I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans,” she wrote. “Two things I care deeply about, as my dad is a veteran, and everyone knows I love children. I have learned a valuable lesson and ask for grace as I navigate this.”

In an additional video from the singer, Chilli also shared her “utmost respect and admiration” for Obama. She also denied knowledge of the repost occurring.

She declared, “.. I would never do anything that is disrespectful to her or to any woman.”

But Chilli has left more signs that she was down with the right. She follows several conservative politicians and influencers, including Donald Trump Jr. and Tomi Lahren, as well as conservative news networks like NewsMax.

RELATED CONTENT: T-Boz Recalls TLC Storming Into Clive Davis’ Office To Tell Arista,  ‘Y’all Owe Us Money’

• Entrepreneurship

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Mother-And-Son Entrepreneurs Let Go Of Their Bow Tie Business For Sake Of Family

The duo reached an impasse over the direction of the bow tie company, prompting them to close down.

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A mother-and-son duo found success as e-commerce entrepreneurs with their bow tie business, but opted to hang it up to save their personal relationship.

Andrea Henderson and her then-teenage son Roland first noticed a new fashion trend among men and boys, the bowtie. As they witnessed the dress accessory become more popular, the two decided to launch an online business all about bowties.

In her op-ed for Business Insider, Andrea Henderson said the two dove into the realm of Amazon’s private label market. They used the e-commerce platform as their main distributing hub, learning about how to use SEO optimization to draw customers to their products. Alongside a fashion-forward approach to the traditional men’s formal accessory, the duo’s marketing strategy through Amazon worked to their benefit.

The mother-and-son played to their strengths, with the parent holding down operations as her child matriculated through school at a private HBCU. Roland, fulfilling his own dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, oversaw the creative elements, ensuring their bow tie assortments fit their wide-ranging customer base to drive growth.

The money went toward sustaining Roland’s education. Additional revenue went back to the business. But something else was growing besides the checks.

Their ideas for the future of the company brought hidden issues to the surface. While Roland had couture dreams for the company, Henderson preferred to scale outward instead of upward through a potential deal with Walmart.

After the constant disagreements led to no resolution, Henderson came to her own realization. Each person had their own goals for the business and their role in it.

As the strain grew deeper, alongside conversations for one to leave the company, the family decided to re-align their priorities back to one another. At the height of their business successful, they decided to shut down their bow tie brand.

The lesson, according to the elder Henderson, is not one of loss. She considers the shut down her best business move yet, especially as she keeps Roland in her life. Now, she hopes others can learn from her story as they begin new ventures with family, emphasizing how success should never overshadow family love.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother And Son Elevate Black-Owned Beauty Supply Store With 7-Figure Expansion

• Politics

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Nick Cannon Comes Out As A Trumpster; Calls Democratic Party Part Of The KKK

Cannon's remarks on Democrats, Republicans, and Trump have drawn backlash.

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Entertainer Nick Cannon is drawing attention after sharing controversial views about U.S. political parties during a recent episode of his online talk show “Big Drive.” Speaking with guest Trump supporter Amber Rose, Cannon discussed her recent shift toward Republican affiliation and offered his own perspective on the nation’s political landscape. During the conversation, he referenced historical ties between political parties and race, stating, “People don’t know that the Democrats are the party of the KKK.” He also added, “People don’t know that the Republicans are the party that freed the slaves.”

As reported by Variety, Cannon appeared to agree with Rose’s assertion that Democrats “don’t care about people of color and the Republicans do,” responding, “I agree with you 100%.” Despite his comments, Cannon emphasized that he does not align himself strictly with either major party.

“I don’t subscribe to either party,” he said, invoking W. E. B. Du Bois. Quoting the scholar, Cannon added, “there’s no such thing as two parties. It’s just one evil party with two different names.”

The discussion also turned to the current administration under President Donald Trump. Cannon expressed approval of Trump’s approach in his second term, using blunt language to describe the president as someone “cleaning house” and “doing what he said he was gonna do.” He further commented on U.S. policy with a metaphor, saying, “He’s like the club. He’s charging a $5 million bottle service fee to get into the country.”

Cannon’s remarks reference widely discussed historical points but simplify a complex political history. While factions within the Democratic Party were linked to the formation of the Ku Klux Klan in the years following the Civil War, historians generally do not characterize the entire party as uniformly supporting the group. Meanwhile, the Republican Party, founded in the mid-19th century by anti-slavery advocates, counted Abraham Lincoln among its early leaders.

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and the abolition of slavery was later solidified with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

The episode has since circulated online, prompting renewed discussion about how historical narratives are interpreted in modern political discourse.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Grieving Grandma’ Says She Doesn’t Wanna Hear ‘Nothing About That Racist Stuff’ During BHM Celebration

• Politics

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Millions Across U.S. And Abroad In Latest Show Of Trump Opposition

The demonstrations targeted the Trump administration's policies, the war with Iran, and the rising costs of living.

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Large-scale demonstrations opposing the administration of President Donald Trump unfolded across the United States and around the world, marking the third coordinated “No Kings” protest movement. Organizers say the turnout may represent one of the largest protest mobilizations in recent history.

As reported by The Guardian, events were reported in all 50 states and in more than a dozen countries, with participants gathering in major metropolitan areas, suburban communities, and smaller towns. Protesters voiced concerns over a range of issues, including U.S. involvement in Iran, immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.

Crowds filled streets in cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. In the nation’s capital, large groups marched through downtown, with demonstrators gathering at prominent landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.

As in prior protests, participants carried symbolic displays and effigies depicting Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration figures, demanding political change.

One of the most prominent demonstrations took place in Minnesota, where activists highlighted the deaths of two individuals earlier this year following encounters with federal immigration agents. The incident has become a focal point for criticism of federal immigration policies. Thousands gathered outside the state capitol in St. Paul, where several Democratic leaders addressed the crowd.

Organizers reported that more than 3,000 individual protests were held worldwide, coordinated by a coalition that includes advocacy groups such as Indivisible and 50501, as well as labor unions and grassroots networks. Ahead of the demonstrations, Indivisible Co-Founder Ezra Levin predicted a historic turnout, stating, “I would expect March 28 to be the biggest protest in American history.”

Additional protests focused on specific policy concerns. Roughly 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, where participants criticized reductions in medical research funding and chanted slogans including, “No kings, just vaccines!”

March 28’s protests followed a previous “No Kings” rally in October that organizers say drew approximately 7 million participants nationwide. With turnout expected to surpass that figure, organizers framed the latest demonstrations as an escalating response to administration policies and a signal of sustained political resistance.

RELATED CONTENT: Protesters Rally Again, Calling For ‘No Kings’ In America

• Business

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Brooklyn Entrepreneur Peter Brooks Builds Bridge Between Black Culture And International Business

The founder of 28th & Foster connects U.S. brands with emerging economies, highlighting the economic power of the Black diaspora.

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A Brooklyn entrepreneur is gaining international attention for transforming cultural influence into economic opportunity, linking American brands with rapidly expanding markets across Africa and the Middle East. Peter Brooks, founder of 28th & Foster, has built a cross-continental marketing firm that connects U.S. talent, corporations, and investors with emerging economies.

His work, recently highlighted in an interview with BET, underscores the growing role of Black cultural influence in shaping global business.

The agency has been linked to high-profile international collaborations, from celebrity appearances in African nations to partnerships spanning industries such as entertainment and medical tourism. Brooks says these efforts demonstrate how influence within the Black diaspora can open doors far beyond traditional Western markets.

“I think we undermine our celebrities, our influencers, and our practitioners within the Black community; we don’t realize how much value we hold,” Brooks told BET.

Raised near the intersection that inspired his company’s name in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Brooks credits his upbringing in a culturally rich neighborhood for shaping his global outlook. That early exposure now informs his mission to create economic pathways between diaspora communities and developing regions.

Brooks’ career path was not conventional. Initially pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering, he changed direction after visiting Facebook’s California offices. “I just knew. That was it,” he recalled. Determined to break into the field, he taught himself marketing skills, explaining, “I saw a marketing role and literally spent the whole summer just learning everything that was on that job description.”

That self-directed pivot eventually led to high-level work with corporations and governments. “It’s crazy just to go from that YouTube university path… to being in a place where not only am I dealing with large organizations, but I’m also dealing with presidents,” he said.

Brooks later expanded his experience as a growth executive at Paramount before fully committing to his own firm. His international efforts have included collaborations with government leaders, such as Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, in which he helped explore initiatives related to business development and diaspora engagement.

He emphasizes that celebrities often serve as gateways to broader economic opportunities. “They have access to spaces most people don’t have access to,” Brooks said, adding that artists and public figures can create entry points for investment and collaboration.

As economic uncertainty grows in the United States, Brooks sees opportunity abroad, particularly in Africa’s expanding markets. His company, alongside a small global team, aims to merge storytelling, influence, and strategy to drive measurable impact.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Brooks offers straightforward advice: “Take the leap… Stay open, meet people, add value.” His journey, he suggests, reflects a larger shift—one where cultural capital is increasingly shaping the future of global business.

RELATED CONTENT: Moroccan Businesses Make The List For Forbes Most Valuable Company Rankings In the Middle East

• Legal

by Mary Spiller

March 28, 2026

Former NBA Star Paul Pierce Hit With $30K Monthly Child Support Claim

The paternity case is moving forward as plaintiff requests custody, financial support, and genetic testing.

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A woman who previously filed a paternity claim against former NBA player Paul Pierce is now asking a court to order significant monthly child support, along with custody and additional financial compensation. According to legal filings obtained by TMZ, Los Angeles–based event director Princess Santiago alleges that Pierce is the father of her infant son and is requesting nearly $30,000 per month in child support payments.

The filing also seeks sole legal and physical custody of the child, along with reimbursement for legal expenses totaling $100,000.

Santiago is again asking the court to mandate genetic testing to confirm paternity. She previously initiated legal action earlier this year while pregnant, maintaining that Pierce is the child’s father. Her son, King Rafael Santiago Pierce, was born on Feb. 6, according to court records.

In addition to monthly support, Santiago is requesting that Pierce cover half of the costs associated with her pregnancy and childbirth. Those expenses, she claims, amount to $18,846.

The filings highlight Pierce’s financial history, noting his lengthy professional basketball career and earnings. Santiago states that Pierce, who played in the NBA for nearly two decades, earned between $195 million and $203 million in salary during his time in the league. She also points to his endorsement income, writing that he “has publicly stated that during his NBA career he made enough money from endorsements that he did not have to use his NBA salary to pay his expenses or generous expenditures on his family, romantic partners and family.”

Pierce spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics before finishing his final seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Over 19 seasons, he established himself as one of the league’s most recognizable players.

Santiago has maintained that her legal action is not motivated by publicity. “This isn’t about drama or attention,” she said in an earlier statement tied to the case.

The matter remains unresolved as the court considers her requests, including confirmation of paternity and determinations regarding custody and financial support.

RELATED CONTENT: Paul Pierce Says He Wants to Build a Business in Boston