Snoop Dogg, Donald Trump
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2024

Snoop Dogg: ‘I Have Nothing But Love And Respect For Donald Trump’

Snoop claims he has no issues with the former president since 'he pardoned' Death Row Records founder Michael Harris

Calvin Broadus, who we all know as Snoop Dogg, has made a statement that might make people question the type of weed he has been smoking lately.

In an interview with The London Times, the weed connoisseur stated that he has “love and respect” for the former President of the United States, Donald Trump. This statement was made after several years of disrespect by Snoop towards Trump. The surprising sentence has already thrown Snoop fans for a loop, with some suggesting that something doesn’t smell right.

The beloved entertainer told the media outlet that Trump did great things for him, including pardoning the co-founder of Death Row Records before he left office. Harris was in prison, serving a life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He had already served 30 years at that point.

When asked about his opinion of the former president who, on Jan. 26, was ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages in a defamation case, Snoop responded by saying, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris.”

In a press release on Jan. 20, 2021, the president revealed that he commuted Harris’ sentence.

“President Trump commuted the sentence of Michael Harris. Mr. Harris is a 59-year-old who has served 30 years of a 25-year to life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Mr. Harris has had an exemplary prison record for three decades. He is a former entrepreneur and has mentored and taught fellow prisoners how to start and run businesses. He has completed courses toward business and journalism degrees. Upon his release, Mr. Harris will have a meaningful place of employment and housing with the support of his family.”

The “Murder is the Case” rapper said, “I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”

The reaction threw some people on X, formerly known as Twitter, off because less than five months ago, Snoop still had venom for Trump.

WARNING: Adult Language

Another X user reminded us of the time, in a video shot in 2017 when the “Doggfather” pointed a gun at the head of a Trump look-alike.

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg ‘Hated’ Cussing Out Kids In His Foulmouthed Sports Comedy Film

earned wage, tax braks
by Derek Major

January 29, 2024

Two-Thirds Of Americans Believe They Pay Too Much In Taxes

A majority of U.S. taxpayers believe they pay too much in taxes, with many feeling they receive a poor value in return, according to a new poll

A majority of U.S. taxpayers believe they pay too much in taxes, with many feeling they receive a poor value in return, according to a new University of Chicago Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

The Associated Press reported about 7 in 10 say they pay too much in local property taxes, while 6 in 10 feel the same in state sales tax. The AP and University of Chicago’s poll of 1,024 adults was conducted Dec. 14-18, 2023. 

When it comes to party affiliation, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say taxes are unfair and see taxes as poor value. Adults 60 and older are more likely than younger adults to view taxes positively.

Additionally, the poll showed that many U.S. adults have a low level of confidence that their tax dollars, whether it’s the federal government or local school districts, are not being used in the best interest of “people like them.” 

The poll also indicated that people are more trustworthy of governing bodies closer to home. According to the poll, 16% of respondents are extremely or very confident in their local school district, while 6% of respondents are confident in the federal government.

Chris Berry, a University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy professor who was involved in the poll, said public opinion about taxes and trust in the government has dropped and the poll results indicate increased political polarization.

“One of the things you’ll hear said is, ‘There’s no Democratic or Republican way to collect the trash or pave the streets,’” Berry told the AP. “We tend to think of local government as less partisan.”

Half of respondents say they would prefer fewer government services if it resulted in a lower tax bill. The IRS started accepting tax returns for the 2024 tax season Monday. Additionally, the IRS is rolling out its free file tax return pilot this season and has collaborated with Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York for filing season 2024 to integrate state taxes into the program.

RELATED CONTENT: IRS Changes For 2024 Can Increase Paychecks, Lower Taxes For Americans

Trey Songs, lawsuit, sexual assault, motion to dismiss, exposing breast, defendant, case, third filing
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2024

Trey Songz’ Sexual Assault Lawsuit For Exposing A Woman’s Breast Gets Dismissed

Trey Songz is off the hook in the sexual assault lawsuit filed by a woman whose breast was exposed at a casino in Connecticut.

Trey Songz is off the hook in the sexual assault lawsuit filed by a woman whose breast was exposed at a casino in Connecticut.

The Jane Joe behind the suit amended the suit three times before a judge decided to dismiss the claim because she never responded to Songz’s motion to dismiss the third filing, TMZ reported. The woman, listed as Megan Johnson in the lawsuit, first filed the suit in June 2023, one year after she issued a demand letter to the singer demanding $5 million to settle out of court.

The suit is a result of a video that seemingly shows the “Birthday Song” singer pulling the woman’s breast out of her bathing suit top during a “Foxwoods Liquid Sundays with Trey Songz” event.

The woman changed it to a civil suit after Songz ignored her initial filing. Johnson claims Songz, real name Tremaine Neverson, pulled out her breast without her permission and the incident was sexual assault. Songz has vehemently denied the allegations.

However, she amended the initial complaint one month after filing it and amended it again in September ahead of Songz filing a motion to dismiss the suit entirely, saying the statute of limitations barred her claim. The judge granted the singer’s claim and allowed Johnson to amend the filing a third time.

She filed a third time, but Songz made another filing to dismiss the motion since it was so similar to the first two filings. The woman never responded to the singer’s last motion to dismiss the case, so the ruling was made in his favor.

Johnson’s sexual assault lawsuit has been tossed for a third time but no word on if she will find another loophole to sue again.

This legal decision comes months after Songz was sued by two women in October who accused the singer of forcing himself on both of them after they passed out during a 2015 party at Songz’s house in Los Angeles. The women believe they were drugged and then berated by the singer after allegedly turning down his request to shower with him.

“You are little fuc*ing girls, get the fu*k out of my house,” Songz allegedly told them.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Files Motion Asking Court To Not Allow ‘Jane Doe’ To Keep Identity From Public Records In Alleged Assault Case

Yusuf Salaam, out-of-state, council man, tint, driving, resign
by Daniel Johnson

January 29, 2024

Yusuf Salaam Stop Reviewed, NYPD Says Protocol Was Followed

Salaam questioned why the department is not being called to provide transparency around traffic stops.

Yusuf Salaam, a newly elected New York City Council member and member of The Exonerated Five, told CBS News that the NYPD pulled him over on Jan 26 without an explanation.

In Salaam’s written statement, he questioned why the department is not being called to provide transparency around traffic stops.

“I introduced myself as Councilman Yusef Salaam, and subsequently asked the officer why I was pulled over,” said Salaam, who was with his wife. “Instead of answering my question, the officer stated, ‘We’re done here,’ and proceeded to walk away.

“The fact that the officer did not provide a rationale for the stop, which would have only been legal at ‘level 3’ (with reasonable suspicion) or higher as required for vehicle stops, calls into question how the NYPD justifies its stops of New Yorkers and highlights the need for greater transparency to ensure they are constitutional. This experience only amplified the importance of transparency for all police investigative stops because the lack of transparency allows racial profiling and unconstitutional stops of all types to occur and often go unreported.”

According to two people who were on a conference call with Salaam as he was being pulled over—Michael Sisitzky, an assistant policy director at the New York American Civil Liberties Union, and Mandela Jones, a deputy chief of staff for New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams—Salaam was heard asking why he was being pulled over, but never received an answer. Jones told The Gothamist that it was subsequently discussed on the call after the incident had concluded.

The NYPD countered by saying that the windows on Salaam’s car were too dark and releasing a statement on Jan 27. “The driver complied and identified himself as New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, performing official duties, at which point the officer advised him to have a good night. This entire account is corroborated by body-worn camera footage and the vehicle report.”

“As the video shows, throughout this interaction, the officer conducted himself professionally and respectfully,” the NYPD said. “He followed all proper procedures, including procedures that were put in place after Detective Russel Timoshenko was shot and killed through tinted windows in 2007.”

In a statement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer, expressed his appreciation for Salaam “for bringing this stop to our attention” and commended “the NYPD for following all proper procedures and being respectful” during the interaction.

“We spoke, and once [Salaam] had an opportunity to see the video, he saw that the officer showed professionalism,” Adams told CBS News. “It is, you know, a car stop is stressful for a police officer, and it’s stressful for the people who are being stopped.”

RELATED CONTENT: Yusef Salaam, Central Park 5 Exoneree Turned NYC Council Candidate, Champions Forgiveness And Advocacy For New York City

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kalshi
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2024

Giannis Antetokounmpo Participates In Wingstop Promotion To Get Free Chicken Wings During NBA Season

The "Greek Freak" was not going to miss out on a chance to get some free Wingstop chicken wings after an opponent missed two free throws.

NBA champion and Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo took an opportunity to get some free chicken wings at a recent game when he joined fans in taking a photo of a bar code that will qualify him to get some free Wingstop chicken.

According to Uproxx, there is a promotion going on throughout the NBA season that will “reward” fans who scan the QR code when an opposing player at the stadium bricks two straight free throws while standing at the charity stripe during the contest. Not one to miss out on a chance for some Wingstop chicken wings, the “Greek Freak” is seen taking a photo of that scan along with perhaps thousands of other basketball fans at Fiserv Forum. This took place on Saturday night, Jan. 27, in Milwaukee.

The strange moment occurred near the end of the game in the fourth quarter when New Orleans Pelicans player Naji Marshall missed both opportunities to score at the free throw line. After he misses the second shot, the camera catches Antetokounmpo on the sideline, running excitedly, looking for a mobile phone to take a photo. He is seen with a phone in hand, snapping the QR code shown on the big screen in the arena.

Let’s hope that Antetokounmpo got those wings after the game! Maybe he’ll share them with his new head coach, Doc Rivers, who was hired to guide him and the team after they fired Adrian Griffin, who led them to a 30-13 record.

Several months ago, in October, Antetokounmpo prolonged his deal with the Bucks for an additional three years when he re-upped with the NBA team for a three-year, $186 million contract extension.

judge, Atlanta, guilty
by Daniel Johnson

January 29, 2024

Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement Of Civil Rights Act In Louisiana ‘Cancer Alley’ Pollution Case

Closed EPA could have led to significant changes in Louisiana's '"Cancer Alley," records reveal.

On Jan. 23, a federal judge in Louisiana barred the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice from enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, on behalf of the residents of St. John’s Parish, Louisiana.

The residents of “Cancer Alley,” due to its disproportionately high rates of cancer resulting from the high number of petrochemical plants there, are not eligible because race played a factor in the suit, according to Judge James D. Cain.

Earthjustice, brought the civil rights suit on behalf of St. John’s Parish residents in 2022.

“The court’s decision to issue this injunction is bad enough, but what’s worse is that instead of fixing the discriminatory permitting programs that have created sacrifice zones like Cancer Alley, Louisiana is fighting tooth and nail to keep them in place,” said Sam Sankar, Earthjustice’s senior vice president of programs, told The Hill.

“The public health crisis in St. John the Baptist Parish shows us why we need Title VI: EPA needs to be able to use our civil rights laws to stop states from running permitting programs that perpetuate environmental injustice,” Sankar added.   

Cain, a Trump appointee, said “pollution does not discriminate” before getting to his actual objection to the complaint: “If a decision maker has to consider race, to decide [on enforcement] it has indeed participated in racism.”

Translation: despite multiple reports enumerating a disparate impact of carcinogens emitted by these types of plants on residents of color, somehow those residents don’t deserve to have their civil rights respected because their race is mentioned in a complaint.

According to estimates by Propublica, the risk of cancer faced by residents in this stretch of Louisiana is up to 47 times what the EPA deems acceptable.

Louisiana is not alone in opposing efforts to rein in the discriminatory effects of carcinogenic air pollution; in 2023, Texas’s environmental protection agency indicated that it would not engage in negotiations with the EPA, in part, because it had already closed its investigation into “Cancer Alley.”

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, whose office filed one complaint centering on concrete batch complaints, described the problem as “egregious” and hoped the EPA would intervene. Menefee also described the political situation in Texas in regard to the state’s environmental agency, telling The Intercept, “There are absolutely concerns based on what we saw in Louisiana.”

“When you’re in a red state like Texas, where the state environmental regulatory body has pretty much allowed industry to have free rein…we’re incredibly vulnerable,” Menefee explained. “That last line of protection is going to be the EPA.”

The Center for Public Integrity noted in a 2015 analysis of how the EPA handled Title VI complaints, that the agency too often left communities of color affected by environmental racism without an investigation, dooming them to wait years for help that never showed up. However, as reported by The Intercept, the current pattern of bringing investigations and subsequently dropping them when challenged by Republican governors or state entities is merely a return to the agency’s past protocol of leaving residents affected by pollution to fend for themselves. 

RELATED CONTENT: Inside The Climate Crisis’ Effect On Predominantly Black Neighborhoods In Chicago

Dr. Sonja Stribling
by Daron Pressley

January 29, 2024

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Veteran And Entrepreneur Empowers With Quantum Goal Setting And Mindful Visualization

The U.S. veteran and entrepreneur shares her remarkable journey with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

A retired U.S Army Major and former Battle Captain, Dr. Sonja Stribling is now the successful chairwoman of the nine-figure business leader P3University.

Her story is a testament to resilience over adversity.

In a conversation with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Stribling shared her remarkable journey from growing up as the youngest of 12 children in a humble household in Arkansas to serving in the military for 21 years. Stribling’s experiences, ranging from teenage motherhood to facing life-threatening situations in Iraq, have shaped her into a visionary leader. 

Stribling also discussed how quantum goal setting, mindful visualization journeys, and nature integration led to her success.

Quantum Goal Setting: Beyond Vision Boards

Stribling challenges traditional goal setting that relies on vision boards. “Most people don’t know how to do goal setting,” she says, emphasizing the need for a more profound understanding of the process. 

For her company, the 2024 goal is an ambitious $50 million, a testament to her unyielding belief in achieving success against all odds. Stribling goes beyond the superficial aspects of goal setting, delving into the mindset, discipline, and environmental factors contributing to success.

“Quantum goal setting is looking at, for instance, for my company, where I want my company to be in 2024. Then getting very drilled down and intentional with my answers.” 

Stribling’s approach to reaching $50 million involves considering team expansion, revenue goals, and personal development as integral components of her quantum goal-setting strategy.

Mindful Visualization Journeys

As a proponent of mindful visualization, Stribling emphasizes the importance of seeing success in the spiritual realm before it manifests in the physical. Journeying from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression to becoming a successful entrepreneur underscores the power of visualization. 

“You have to be able to see it before you can see it, so you can receive it,” she says, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of visualization. “There is an internal shift that has to take place to manifest desired outcomes.”

Stribling encourages women, in particular, to visualize the life they want, challenging them to tap into their inner power and overcome the challenges they face.

Nature Integration

Nature integration is about surrounding oneself with the elements that foster creativity and inspiration. Drawing from her military experience, Stribling recalls a pivotal moment in Iraq when she made a promise to herself during a challenging time. “I was in Iraq for 15 consecutive months, fighting in 135 degrees with full-gear Kevlar on,” she says. 

During a 30-minute drill, Dr. Stribling was alone inside a trench and began talking with herself.  “I said, if you would just let me get home, if you would just let me get home, I will not take life for granted anymore.”

This experience is a metaphor for how she helps people transition from life’s battlefields to a position of influence and success.

“It is just finding the area and the space that helps you be more creative,” Stribling notes. 

Whether it’s the sound of water or the outdoors, the veteran encourages individuals to identify their sources of inspiration and integrate them into their lives for increased creativity and productivity.

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Stribling’s upcoming book is a culmination of her experiences and wisdom gained from the military, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Empowering women to win in life, business, and their careers, she focuses on understanding and unlocking one’s inner power, providing tangible tools and strategies for success.

“I want people to feel so empowered that they have no choice but to do something about it,” Stribling expresses. 

Her goal for readers is to be inspired and ultimately transformed.

Dr. Sonja Stribling hopes to provide a roadmap for those not only seeking motivation but who want a transformative journey toward success and fulfillment.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Quick Money Tips For Black Women Transitioning Into Entrepreneurship

COOKING UP A ROBUST WEALTH STRATEGY WITH TASTY RETURNS
by Black Enterprise

January 29, 2024

COOKING UP A ROBUST WEALTH STRATEGY WITH TASTY RETURNS

His drive to become an entrepreneur came from growing up in a community that respected serial entrepreneurs. “They had more than one business [and] were super rich. I wanted to be like them.” To get on that track, Wright worked odd jobs, including walking dogs, washing cars, and mowing lawns.

HBCU, webinar, mental health event
by Ashlei Stevens

January 29, 2024

Free Mental Health Awareness Webinar For HBCU Students To Take Place Jan. 31

The interactive webinar, “New Year, New Me: Taking Care of the ‘Me’ in Mental Health,” will focus on goal setting, positive visualization, and promoting self-care.

Juggling classes, social life, and achieving personal goals can take an emotional toll on college students, but help is available, courtesy of an “unapologetically free” mental health awareness webinar on Jan. 31 for HBCU students.

The interactive webinar, called “New Year, New Me: Taking Care of the ‘Me’ in Mental Health,” will focus on goal setting, positive visualization, and promoting self-care. Hosted by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) and The Steve Fund, the event allows students to create personalized vision boards that inspire students to “improve their mental well-being and work toward a brighter future.”

The virtual event will take place Wed. Jan. 31 at 6:00 p.m. EST. Those interested can register here.

UNCF formed ICB in 2006, which provides direct support and technical assistance to 42 HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions. Its aim is to propel student success, community advancement, and fight for educational equity and racial justice.

The Steve Fund is a leading organization that focuses on building understanding and supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. The group hosts workshops and seminars, workforce initiatives, and offers higher education consulting.

According to research released last week by the American Heart Association (AHA), the effects of stress in the teenage years can last long into adulthood. Cardiometabolic health concerns may increase later in life, which includes type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressures and obesity, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, the study found.

The AHA offered tips on how teens can decrease stress and ways parents can support teens who are struggling with mental health concerns.

The Steve Fund highlighted four ways to break mental health stigma: ask for help, language matters, speak up, and don’t isolate.

RELATED CONTENT: Howard University Partners With True Voice App To Prioritize Students’ Mental Health

high school students, shot, Chicago
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2024

Chicago Police Looking For Gunmen Who Killed 2 Students Outside High School

Masked shooters got out of two cars to fatally shoot two high school students.

Chicago police are on the hunt for the shooters who killed 16-year-old Robert Boston and 17-year-old Monterio Williams as they left Innovations High School in the city, according to ABC7. 

City activist Andrew Holmes told reporters that the boys’ grieving mothers have faith the authorities will do their part to find the killers.

“This was definitely an execution,” Holmes said.

According to investigators, two dark-colored vehicles—a car and a SUV—arrived at the charter school for academically-challenged and troubled youth. Masked gunmen got out of the car and shot the boys. Afterward, at least two of the assailants ran away. The rest left in the vehicles.

Boston and Williams were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. 

“It is with profound sadness and deep sorrow that we come together to mourn the devastating loss of two of our students, who were tragically shot and killed while being dismissed for the weekend,” said the school’s principal, Alicia Hines, in a statement. “This incident has devastated our students, faculty, staff and community at large. We appreciate the outpouring of support as our school grapples with this senseless act of violence.” 

Police urge anyone with information to come forward as they continue their search. The investigation is considered an isolated attack. No arrests have been made.

RELATED CONTENT: Victims in Texas School Shooting Killed in Single Classroom, Authorities Say

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